Western Pontic Mountains

Western Pontic Mountains

 

(Bati-KaradenizDaglan), western part of the Pontic Mountains from the Sakarya River to the Kizil River in the north of Turkey. Length, 475 km. Highest elevation, 2,600 m (Mount Deli Tepe). Ridges generally stretch in two or three parallel rows divided by longitudinal valleys and basins. The mountains end abruptly at the coast of the Black Sea, leaving narrow belts of coastal lowlands in separate areas. They are composed of sandstone, limestone, and metamorphic rock. Coal deposits are found in the Zonguldak Basin. The humid climate of the Black Sea mountain slopes results in the growth of mountain-forest vegetation. Above 2,000 m there are sub-alpine meadows. The southern ridges are unforested. Orchards, vineyards, and crop areas (maize, rice, tobacco, and so on) are found in the basins and lowlands.