Préface

Abstract

Cappadocia, situated in the Central Anatolia Plateau in Turkey, is characterized by widespread volcanic rocks (lavas, ignimbrites and pyroclastic deposits) alternating with 昀氀uvio-lacustrine sediments of Miocene (around 10 million years) to Quaternary age. The evolution of the Cappadocian landscape starts with gently sloping plateaus, which are then dissected, usually along fractures of soft-unwelded ignimbrites, to form mushroom-like, cone-shaped structures known locally as 'fairy chimneys'. We present here a brief description of the stratigraphy of the Cappadocian volcanic succession and explain types of volcanic products. Di昀昀erent landforms created by the erosion of the volcanic rocks are also explained. Because of the favorable engineering properties of the ignimbrites, ancient populations have carved their houses, churches and even underground cities for centuries. Today, this unique cultural and morphological heritage site, classi昀椀ed under UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985, is one of the most visited regions of Turkey.