Mount Cilo

Recent studies indicate that the glaciers of Mount Cilo in southeastern Turkey have lost almost 50% of their ice cover over the past 40 years.

About Mount Cilo

• Location: Mount Cilo is located southeast of Lake Van and marks the southeastern end of the Taurus Mountain Range in the Anatolia region of Turkey. It is positioned close to the Iraqi border, within the Hakkari Province.

• Height: The peak rises to an elevation of 4,135 meters, making it the second highest mountain in Turkey in terms of glacial mass, after Mount Ararat (5,137 meters).

• Geological Context: Mount Cilo is part of the Alpine-Himalayan Fold System, which formed as a result of the tectonic movements of the Arabian, Anatolian, and Eurasian plates. This region has been shaped by tectonic forces, leading to the rugged topography, deep gorges, limestone cliffs, and glacial valleys that characterize the mountain today.

Physical Features of Mount Cilo

Mount Cilo features five major high peaks, including:

1. Uludoruk Peak

2. Suppa Durek Peak

3. Kosedireği Mountain

4. Kisara Mountain

5. Maunseli Sivrisi

These peaks contribute to the rugged terrain of the mountain, which has been heavily influenced by erosion and tectonic movement over millions of years.

Climate Change Impact on Mount Cilo's Glaciers

The glaciers on Mount Cilo are among the most significant in Turkey. However, they are facing severe challenges due to rising temperatures and climate change.

• Ice Loss: Over the last four decades, these glaciers have experienced a 50% reduction in ice cover, which is consistent with global patterns of glacial retreat due to rising temperatures.

• Heatwaves and Droughts: Turkey has been experiencing extreme weather events, including heatwaves and droughts. Recently, the country registered a record temperature of 50.5°C, which has further exacerbated the melting of glaciers and the loss of ice mass.

• Regional Climate: The effects of climate change are visible not only in the glaciers but also in the broader weather patterns in the region, which has been undergoing more frequent and intense heat spells, making the mountain ecosystems increasingly vulnerable.