Formation and Geostatistical Analysis of Eğribük Creek Potholes, Samsun, Turkey

In this study, 32 potholes in the Eğribük Creek valley, located in the Vezirköprü District of Samsun province, were examined. The total area of the basin is 64.31 km 2 , the perimeter is 39.21 km, and the main channel length is 21 km. This study is mostly based on field studies, and in this context, potholes were measured, and their photographs were taken. Subsequently, morphometric analyses of the basin were performed by using ArcGIS 10 and PCI Geomatica V 9.1.0 applications. Following this, statistical analyses were begun. R Software and log-linear regression model were used for width and depth analyses of the potholes. The potholes in the study developed in a 100-m section of the Eğribük Creek bed from 10 m behind the Yerköprü natural tunnel entrance to 15 m ahead of its exit. The increase in the bed slope in the tunnel increased the speed and erosion power of the stream, which supported the formation of potholes. In addition, the lithological features of the bedrock led to the formation of potholes. As a result of the statistical analysis, there was a strong positive relationship between the depth and diameter of the potholes. It was understood that there was no close relationship between the linear density on the valley floor and the multidirectional growth of the bed depressions. This study, focusing on the formation and geostatistical analysis of potholes, is a pioneering study in Turkey and is expected to be a model for further research.