Runoff drainage, groundwater exploitation and irrigation with underground channels in Cappadocia: Meskendir Valley case-study

Cappadocia is characterized by a particular plateau geomorphology, with a mean altitude of about 1000 m above sea level, and is composed of several pyroclastic ignimbrite deposits. Its climate has both continental and sub-desertic elements, with rainy and even snowy precipitation, which is intense in Winter and Spring and scarce in Summer. Strong geomorphological activity in the soft ignimbrite context gave rise to a unique landscape, which is defined by branched and deeply-incised valley systems and by the well-known pinnacles or "Fairy Chimneys". The human settlements in this area are principally due to the Christians and, at a later stage, to the Byzantines: their activity marked the entire area and produced an outstanding system of underground settlements. In addition to residential structures, various types of service structures are still visible. Among the latter, mention should be made of those connected with water utilization. Both geology and climate made it imperative to optimize the use of water resources, with a view to enabling the development of minimal farming activities on the terraces of the valley bottoms and the related conservation of a minimal vegetational-faunal environment in a pre-desertic area. Two different types of water works can be identified: center dot Shallow drainage channels, consisting of underground tunnels dug into the ignimbrites; these tunnels, which run parallel to the valleys, ensured the fast discharge of meteoric waters, thereby avoiding erosion of the valley slopes, but above all of the valley bottoms, where agricultural crops were and still are concentrated. center dot Groundwater drainage tunnels, exploiting the small local perched aquifers. A drainage tunnel perpendicular to the axis of the valley can be observed. The tunnel, which intercepts the aquifer, is blocked at its outlet so as to create a cistern. Here, spring waters are stored to be used especially for irrigation. These cisterns might also favor condensation during the night. The simultaneous presence of these multi-purpose water works, a unique case in the pre-industrial era, testifies to a deep understanding of hydrological cycles by the ancient inhabitants of Cappadocia, as well as the close linkage between human activities, land and water resources. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.