Rapid Inundation of Gembos and Eynif Poljes (Taurus Mountains, Türkiye): Disentangling Extreme Precipitation, Ponor Blockage, and Engineering Failures

Rapid Inundation of Gembos and Eynif Poljes (Taurus Mountains, Türkiye): Disentangling Extreme Precipitation, Ponor Blockage, and Engineering Failures | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Rapid Inundation of Gembos and Eynif Poljes (Taurus Mountains, Türkiye): Disentangling Extreme Precipitation, Ponor Blockage, and Engineering Failures Mehmet Oruç Baykara, Deniz Özgür This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Karst poljes are highly sensitive environments where natural hydro-meteorological extremes and human landscape alterations often collide. In February 2026, the Gembos and Eynif poljes in Taurus Mountains experienced catastrophic flooding. To understand the driving mechanisms behind this disaster, we investigated the combined roles of extreme precipitation, sinkhole (ponor) blockage, and local engineering failures. Using high-resolution NASA IMERG meteorological datasets, we constructed a dual-axis chronological model to quantify the rapid response and minimal lag time between precipitation peaks and the subsequent expansion of inundated areas. Furthermore, we mapped the spatiotemporal evolution of the flood using a time-series of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, processed via SNAP and analyzed in a GIS environment. A targeted spatial bottleneck analysis—incorporating ALOS PALSAR DEM and road vector data—revealed that the D687 highway embankment effectively acted as an impermeable artificial dam. This barrier severely disrupted the natural surface flow, trapped the floodwaters, and ultimately caused the complete submersion of the highway itself. Furthermore, field observations and spatial land use (LULC) data confirmed that sediment and debris, exacerbated by upstream quarrying activities, physically clogged the ponors and crippled the karst system's vertical drainage capacity. This cascading failure highlights a crucial lesson: treating active karst poljes as standard topographic basins during infrastructure planning inevitably leads to disaster. Our findings underscore the critical need for spatial planning that respects natural karst hydrodynamics, supported by continuous monitoring networks. Karst hydrology Ephemeral lakes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Anthropogenic impact Flooding Spatial analysis Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 1. Introduction Karst poljes are large-scale geomorphological depressions characterized by closed or semi-closed basins, serving as arenas for complex interactions between surface and groundwater hydrological systems. These landscapes, formed primarily by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite, contain complex underground drainage systems such as sinkholes, conduits, and caves (Ford & Williams, 2007 ). The hydrological balance of these systems is mostly dependent on the sink capacity of the ponors (swallow holes), the permeability of the epikarstic zone, and the saturation level of the underlying karst aquifer (López-Chicano et al., 2002 ). Poljes are highly sensitive to flooding. When the surface runoff exceeds the drainage capacity of the ponors, or the groundwater table intersects the polje floor, temporary inundation occurs and ephemeral lakes form (Bonacci, 2004 ; Mayaud et al., 2019 ; Ravbar et al., 2021 ). Additionally, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, driven by present climate change and anthropogenic alterations, are dramatically altering the magnitude and recurrence of these natural flooding cycles (Blatnik et al., 2024 ; Bonacci et al., 2006 ). The Taurus Karst Belt, situated in southern Türkiye, represents one of the most well-developed alpine karst systems globally, significantly shaped by tectonic movements and extensive karstification processes (Ekmekçi, 2003 ; Nazik, 2004 ). Within this belt, the Gembos and Eynif poljes, located in the Central/Western Taurus Mountains, represent two of the most significant structural karst depressions in the region. Formed primarily within highly karstified Jurassic-Cretaceous neritic limestones and guided by active Quaternary graben fault lines (Doğan et al., 2017 ), these poljes function as complex, interconnected closed basins. The surface runoff, generated from the steep karstic catchments during the wet season, naturally evacuates through a series of ponors situated at the lowest topographic points of the polje floors. The drained waters from the Gembos (Kembos) and Eynif poljes are transmitted through a hydrologically vast underground network, eventually resurfacing at the Altınbeşik Cave and discharging into the Manavgat River basin (Aygen, 1967 ; Nazik, 1992 ). In these specific poljes, natural inundation is a well-documented seasonal phenomenon. Heavy rains and snowmelt between November and April often exceed the ponors' discharge capacity, leading to the formation of temporary karst lakes on the polje floors (Kurt, 2001 ). However, the natural infiltration capacity of these ponors has been compromised over time. Excessive sediment loads generated by inappropriate agricultural practices and active quarrying operations within the upstream catchments frequently clog the ponor inlets, drastically reducing their drainage efficiency and prolonging the inundation period (Kurt, 2001 ; Xanke et al., 2024 ). Superimposed on this delicate hydro-geomorphological cycle is a critical anthropogenic feature: the D687 highway, a major transportation corridor connecting the Central Anatolian city of Konya to the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya. Engineering constructions in karst regions frequently face severe environmental and hydrodynamic challenges (Milanović, 2002 ; Stevanović & Milanović, 2015 ). By building a compacted highway embankment straight across the polje floor, engineers introduced a linear, impermeable barrier across natural topographic gradients. This structure intersects surface flow paths and shallow epikarstic drainage lines, fundamentally altering the local hydrodynamic equilibrium. When the unprecedented rainfall of February 2026 hit the region, the natural karst hydrology and these man-made barriers combined to create a catastrophic flood. The rapid accumulation of surface water completely submerged the D687 highway, paralyzing regional transportation. This event provides a striking example of what happens when hydrogeological dynamics are ignored in karstic terrains. Therefore, this short communication aims to disentangle the triggers of the February 2026 flood. Using remote sensing and meteorological data, we specifically analyze (1) the impact of extreme precipitation, (2) the physical clogging of ponors, and (3) the fatal drainage failures associated with the highway embankment. The findings will provide critical insights for sustainable infrastructure planning and applied karst geomorphology. 2. Study Area 2.1. Geographical and Geomorphological Setting The study area encompasses the Gembos and Eynif poljes, located within the borders of the İbradı and Derebucak districts in the Western/Central Taurus Mountains of southern Türkiye (Gökkaya, 2016 ; Kaya et al., 2015 ). Geographically, these poljes represent some of the largest macro-karstic depressions in the Taurus Karst Belt (Gökkaya, 2016 ; Kurt, 2001 ). The Gembos Polje, situated to the north at an average elevation of 1,205 to 1,210 m above sea level (a.s.l.), extends 13.6 km in length and 2.13 km in width (Doğan et al., 2017 ). These two major depressions are physically connected by the Sobuca Corridor (also known as Sobuca Polje), a narrow structural corridor extending in a northwest-southeast direction. This karstic corridor is approximately 6.5 km long and 300 meters wide, functioning as a critical topographic link between the basins (Doğan et al., 2017 ; Şimşek, 2013 ). Immediately to its south lies the Eynif Polje, positioned at a lower elevation of 935–940 m a.s.l., covering a flat surface area of about 20 km² with a length of 14.5 km and an average width of 2.3 km (Doğan et al., 2017 ). The poljes are framed by steep, rugged limestone massifs, including Akdağ (1,984 m), Melik Mountain (2,288 m), and Kavanoz Mountain (1,695 m), which create distinct topographic boundaries with slopes frequently exceeding 50 degrees (Fig. 1 ). 2.2. Geological and Tectonic Framework The structural and geomorphological evolution of both basins is strictly controlled by the neotectonic regime and the structural lines of the Taurus orogenic belt (Doğan et al., 2017 ). Following the Alpine Orogeny, the region was subjected to extensive faulting and the formation of grabens (Kaya et al., 2015 ; Kurt, 2001 ). The Gembos and Eynif poljes are essentially structural poljes developed within these active Quaternary grabens, guided by prominent NW-SE trending normal faults. In particular, the Eynif graben is strictly bounded by the Akdağ, Tolhan, and Salur faults in the west, and the Kavanoz Mountain, Kızılyar, and Başlar faults in the east. Similarly, the Gembos graben is structurally controlled by the Göktepe and Sarnıç faults in the west and the Kireçli fault in the east (Doğan et al., 2017 ). Geologically, the surrounding highlands are predominantly composed of thick, highly karstified Mesozoic carbonates, specifically Jurassic-Cretaceous neritic limestones (e.g., Kurucaova and Akseki formations), which are suitable for deep karstification. The floors of the poljes are formed by Quaternary alluvial deposits, underlain in certain sections by less permeable Paleocene-Eocene flysch and Miocene conglomerates, which act as aquitards and dictate the local karst base levels (Doğan et al., 2017 ; Gökkaya, 2016 ). 2.3. Hydrogeology and Climate Dynamics Climatologically, the region has a Mediterranean climate transitioning into a terrestrial regime, characterized by dry summers and heavy precipitation during the winter and spring months (Şimşek, 2013 ). The basin exhibits a distinct spatial precipitation gradient, with the northern mountainous catchments receiving significantly higher annual rainfall. This climatic disparity naturally dictates the principal surface runoff routes and groundwater recharge zones feeding the polje systems (Fig. 2 ). Hydrologically, both poljes function as closed basins lacking surface drainage (Kurt, 2001 ). The Eynif Polje possesses a surface drainage area of approximately 150 km² (Doğan et al., 2017 ), and the surface runoff is evacuated entirely through a series of ponors (swallow holes) located primarily along the eastern and western margins of the polje floors, forming karst-alluvium contacts. Conversely, the Gembos Polje, which is hydrologically interconnected with the Ulu Stream, commands a significantly larger catchment area of approximately 700 km² (Doğan et al., 2017 ). Subsurface dye-tracing tests have proven that the drained waters from both the Gembos and Eynif poljes converge into a vast underground karst network, eventually resurfacing at the Altınbeşik Cave and discharging into the Manavgat River. During the wet season (November to April) or after extreme precipitation events, the massive influx of surface water frequently exceeds the maximum infiltration capacity of these ponors. Consequently, temporary, shallow karst lakes (ephemeral lakes) form on the polje floors—a natural hydro-geomorphological cycle inherent to the system (Gökkaya, 2016 ; Kurt, 2001 ). 2.4. Anthropogenic Interventions The D687 highway serves as a major transportation corridor connecting the Central Anatolian city of Konya to the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya and superimposed on this dynamic landscape, it is a critical anthropogenic feature. The highway's route traverses directly across the Gembos Polje floor and runs adjacent to and through sections of the Eynif Polje (Gökkaya, 2016 ). The construction of the highway embankment has introduced a linear, impermeable barrier across the natural topographic gradients. This infrastructure intersects both surface flow paths and shallow epikarstic drainage lines, fundamentally altering the local hydrodynamic equilibrium, compartmentalizing the floodplains, and creating artificial choke points for floodwaters. Furthermore, upstream quarrying activities represent another severe anthropogenic stressor on the local karst system. Quarrying and mining are widely recognized as some of the most destructive human activities in karst terrains, often leading to severe landscape degradation and profound alterations in natural hydrography (Dragišić, 2015 ; Parise et al., 2015 ). Several limestone quarries currently operate on the steep slopes surrounding the polje basins. The excavation processes generate substantial volumes of loose sediment, rock debris, and fine particulate matter. During extreme precipitation events, high-velocity surface runoff easily transports these unconsolidated materials down to the polje floor. Consequently, this excessive, anthropogenically-induced sediment load physically clogs the active ponors (sinkholes), acting as a major impediment to natural groundwater recharge and drainage dynamics. 3. Materials and Methods This study employs a multi-tiered analytical framework integrating hydrometeorological data analysis, active remote sensing (SAR) techniques, and advanced GIS-based spatial evaluations to comprehensively evaluate the driving mechanisms behind the extreme inundation event. The overarching step-by-step workflow—spanning from initial data acquisition and pre-processing to spatiotemporal integration and ground truth validation—is systematically summarized in Fig. 3 . 3.1. Hydrometeorological Data and Temporal Analysis To quantify the intensity and duration of the hydrometeorological triggers, daily precipitation data for January and February 2026 were acquired from the NASA POWER (Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) Data Access Viewer (v2.5.31), specifically utilizing the high-resolution IMERG (Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM) dataset. To establish a direct causal relationship and determine the lag time between extreme precipitation peaks and the corresponding expansion of the inundated areas (in hectares), we analyzed these datasets using a dual-axis chronological model that integrates both discrete (precipitation) and continuous (flooded area) variables. 3.2. SAR Imagery Processing via SNAP Software Sentinel-1 C-band Ground Range Detected (GRD) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery was utilized as the primary tool for mapping the flood extents due to the persistent cloud cover associated with heavy winter precipitation. Data spanning six distinct observation dates between January 22 and February 21, 2026, were processed using the European Space Agency's (ESA) Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP). The Vertical-Vertical (VV) polarization was selected owing to its high sensitivity to surface roughness. The preprocessing workflow applied in SNAP sequentially included: orbit file application, thermal noise removal, radiometric calibration, speckle filtering (Lee Sigma), and terrain correction using a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In the final step, the processed data were converted into decibel (dB) values. 3.3. Water Mask Extraction and Spatial Analysis in QGIS Following the preprocessing in SNAP, the SAR images were imported into the open-source QGIS environment for spatial analysis and mapping. Exploiting the specular reflection of flat-water surfaces, which results in exceptionally low SAR backscatter returns, a strict threshold ( ≤ − 16 dB) was applied via the QGIS raster calculator to extract highly accurate water masks. Furthermore, because radar backscatter can be limited or misrepresented under dense vegetation cover, our analysis carefully considered vegetation patterns to minimize false-negative water detections (Breznik et al., 2023 ). These raster outputs were subsequently vectorized into polygons, allowing for the precise calculation of the ephemeral lake surface areas (in hectares) for each observation date. All spatial integration, overlay analyses, and final map generations were systematically performed using QGIS. 3.4. Ponor Blockage and Infrastructure Bottleneck Analysis To decouple the natural flood dynamics in the karst basins from anthropogenic (engineering-induced) impacts, the ALOS PALSAR (12.5 m) DEM was employed. A hillshade basemap was generated within QGIS from this DEM to delineate the structural boundaries and topographic gradients clearly. Concurrently, the exact alignment of the D687 highway was integrated into the project as vector line data, extracted directly from the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database. Additionally, high-resolution (10 m) Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data were acquired from the European Space Agency (ESA) WorldCover project to spatially assess the proximity of agricultural zones and active quarrying sites to the functional ponor networks. Furthermore, to substantiate the engineering failures, a detailed spatial interaction analysis was conducted by overlaying the maximum flood extent (February 21, 2026) onto the highway vector. This high-resolution spatial overlay allowed for the precise identification of the inundated road segments and explicitly demonstrated how the embankment intercepted the natural flow paths. This visualization technique provided compelling spatial evidence of how the road embankment physically obstructed the floodwaters—particularly within narrow corridors like the Sobuca Corridor and along the eastern margin of the Gembos Polje—acting as an impermeable lateral barrier (an artificial dam) against the natural hydrodynamic flow, which ultimately led to the complete submersion of the infrastructure itself. 4. Results and Discussion 4.1. Hydrometeorological Triggers: Extreme Precipitation vs. Natural Capacity An analysis of the regional meteorological data from the NASA IMERG dataset indicates a severe, concentrated precipitation event over the Central Taurus catchments during January and February 2026. This intense rainfall directly correlates with the rapid expansion of the inundated areas across the poljes. In karst polje systems, multi-day cumulative precipitation often plays a more critical role in triggering catastrophic inundations than single-day extreme events (Ljubenkov, 2023 ). Our dual-axis chronological model (Fig. 4 ) demonstrates a critical, minimal lag time between the peak precipitation events and the corresponding spikes in the flooded surface area. The rapidity of the water level rise in this specific event suggests a Sinkhole Flooding (SF) mechanism (Crawford, 1984 ). Initially, the rate of stormwater flow vastly exceeded the discharge capacity of the sinkholes (SF Type 1). Subsequently, the entire underground karst system became completely pressurized, rendering it unable to drain the continuing surface runoff (SF Type 2) (Della Rose, 2022 ; Ljubenkov, 2023 ). 4.2. Impairment of the Karst Drainage System: Ponor Blockage and Fluvial Alterations The spatiotemporal evolution of the karst floods between January 22 and February 21, 2026, vividly illustrates this rapid expansion (Fig. 5 ). The accumulation of floodwaters directly above the affected areas and the complete absence of any volumetric decrease in consecutive SAR observation dates strongly suggest a catastrophic collapse of the underground drainage system. We hypothesize that this "ponor blockage" was not solely a natural phenomenon but was significantly exacerbated by regional anthropogenic activities. Similar to documented anthropogenic flooding exacerbations in other Mediterranean karst systems, such as the Cetinjsko Polje in Montenegro (Xanke et al., 2024 ), the transport of excessive agricultural debris, woody materials, and fine-grained suspended sediments from active quarrying operations caused severe mechanical clogging of the ponor inlets (Fig. 6 ). Furthermore, past fluvial interventions have drastically altered the natural sediment transport regime. For instance, the artificial channelization of the Akpınar Stream entering the Eynif Polje directs high-energy flows and large gravels straight toward the eastern ponors, exponentially accelerating their physical blockage during peak flows (Kurt, 2001 ). The catastrophic inundation observed in the Gembos and Eynif basins strictly aligns with the concept of 'recharge-related sinkhole flooding' characterized by Zhou ( 2007 ), which occurs when the volume of surface runoff dramatically exceeds the infiltration capacity of the ponors. As highlighted by Zhou ( 2007 ), the presence of 'clogged sinkholes' serves as a primary catalyst for such rapid inundations, often leading to severe backflooding. This concept directly applies to our study area, where the mechanical blinding of ponors by anthropogenic sediments effectively paralyzed the vertical drainage system. In active karst terrains subject to anthropogenic land use, the functional maintenance of natural sinkholes is a critical component of flood risk management. While structural interventions such as retention basins are common, the most direct and effective mitigation strategy involves the engineered protection of existing ponors. Sinkhole inlets must be structurally safeguarded and maintained strictly to prevent blockage by large debris and vegetation (Milanović, 2002 ; Stevanović & Milanović, 2015 ). Successful domestic implementations of these integrated engineering solutions—such as engineered drainage channels terminating at ponors secured with concrete intake structures and protective grates—are already actively functioning within the broader regional karst network, as observed in the nearby Kızılca Polje in Denizli (Akpınar & Atayeter, 2023 ; Fig. 7 ). The complete absence of such protective and regulatory structures in the Gembos and Eynif basins, combined with the excessive sediment load from upstream quarrying, inevitably accelerated the catastrophic failure of the subsurface drainage system. The severe inundation observed in the Gembos and Eynif poljes highlights a fundamental vulnerability of karstic depressions: their total reliance on the vertical drainage capacity of ponors. As Parise et al. ( 2015 ) emphasize, under natural conditions, surface runoff in karst is extremely limited since water rapidly infiltrates through a complex network of conduits and fissures. However, when swallow holes become partially or totally clogged by sediment loads, rock debris, or woody materials, the water is unable to enter the subterranean system, leading to rapid surface accumulation and catastrophic flooding, especially in flat, polje-like valleys. In this context, the anthropogenic alterations in the basin, notably the upstream quarrying activities and infrastructure embankments, act as major catalysts. Human interventions not only increase the volume of unconsolidated sediments that physically choke the epikarstic drainage pathways but also severely alter the natural fluvial dynamics. Consequently, the memory of natural flooding cycles is often ignored during infrastructure planning, resulting in severe structural failures and prolonged inundation periods in karst environments (Parise, 2003 ; Parise et al., 2015 ). 4.3. Anthropogenic Impact: The D687 Highway Embankment as an Artificial Dam While intense precipitation and ponor blockage clearly initiated the flooding, our spatiotemporal analysis reveals that the most profound exacerbating factor was actually structural. The D687 highway embankment severely disrupted the natural surface flow between the basins. When we overlaid the maximum flood extent derived from the SAR data onto the high-resolution DEM, a pronounced "damming effect" along the highway corridor became immediately apparent (Fig. 8 ). As frequently observed in altered Dinaric and Taurus karst poljes, linear infrastructures constructed without adequately accommodating both concentrated surface flows and diffuse epikarstic drainage act as transversal barriers against the natural topographic gradient (Ljubenkov, 2023 ; Milanović, 2002 ). Recent hydrodynamic studies on infrastructure-induced flooding categorize such inadequate engineering structures as 'Culvert-dominant' flood risks. In such cases, the structural design fundamentally fails to convey peak flows and acts as a permanent blockage within the watercourse, inherently causing extensive inundation regardless of any secondary debris accumulation (Fallowfield & Motta, 2024 ). This is exactly what occurred in our study area. Within the highly constrained 300-meter width of the Sobuca Corridor (Fig. 8 B) and along the eastern margin of the Gembos Polje (Fig. 8 A), the elevated, compacted roadbed completely ignored the natural topographic gradients, acting as an impermeable lateral and transversal barrier. Consequently, rather than allowing water to flow seamlessly toward the active sinkholes, the infrastructure effectively impounded the floodwaters, directly resulting in its own complete submersion (Fig. 8 C) and the extended severing of the regional transportation link. This structural bottleneck is corroborated by field photographs showing the complete submergence of the asphalt surface and guardrails (Fig. 9 B, 9 C). Furthermore, the visible turbidity of the impounded water (Fig. 9 D) supports the hypothesis of sediment-induced ponor clogging exacerbated by upstream anthropogenic activities. 4.4. Synthesis of the Flooding Mechanism The February 2026 event illustrates a classic "cascading failure" within a modified karst environment. The intense precipitation generated high-velocity runoff that transported excessive alluvial sediment and vegetation debris, partially blinding the natural ponor drainage (Kurt, 2001 ). Simultaneously, the impermeable D687 highway embankment intercepted the delayed surface and epikarstic flow, preventing it from reaching the remaining functional ponors. The combination of reduced sink capacity and artificial topographic barriers transformed a natural, manageable seasonal inundation into an infrastructure disaster. As highlighted by recent studies on Dinaric and Taurus karst systems, disregarding the extreme heterogeneity and rapid groundwater-surface water interactions of poljes during spatial planning inevitably leads to hazardous alterations of the natural runoff conditions (Blatnik et al., 2024 ; Ljubenkov, 2023 ). 5. Conclusion The rapid and severe inundation of the Gembos and Eynif poljes in February 2026, which resulted in the catastrophic flooding and closure of the D687 highway, serves as a critical case study on the vulnerability of infrastructure within active karst terrains. Through the integration of SAR imagery, hydro-meteorological data, and spatial analysis, this study demonstrates that the event was not merely a natural disaster driven by extreme precipitation, but rather a compound hazard significantly exacerbated by anthropogenic interventions and engineering shortcomings. While the intense rainfall anomaly provided the primary hydrological input, the natural buffering capacity of the poljes—which typically act as critical water retention basins—was decisively compromised. Our investigation highlights two fundamental systemic failures: first, the impairment of the natural subterranean drainage network due to ponor clogging by sediment, dry vegetation, and woody debris; and second, the artificial damming effect created by the impermeable embankment of the D687 highway. As extensively discussed, linear infrastructure in these regions must account for both focused surface flows and diffuse epikarstic drainage; otherwise, it acts as a transversal barrier, impounding floodwaters and ultimately causing its own submersion. This event underscores a pressing need for a paradigm shift in how transportation corridors and spatial planning are executed within the Taurus Karst Belt and similar environments globally. Sustainable flood management in these unique landscapes requires a combination of structural and non-structural measures. To mitigate future flood risks and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure, the design of linear infrastructure in karst depressions must be preceded by high-resolution geomorphological mapping and hydrogeological modeling. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to understand the unique characteristics of each polje, including maximum historical ponding elevations and active sinkhole capacities. Furthermore, embankments traversing polje floors should be minimized. Where unavoidable, they must be equipped with significantly oversized box culverts or designed as permeable viaducts to preserve natural surface and subsurface flow paths. In addition to adaptive engineering, proactive catchment management must be implemented to regulate sediment transport. Constructing sediment traps and preventing the dumping of agricultural or construction debris near active swallow holes are essential steps to maintain the self-draining capacity of the karst system. Ultimately, the catastrophic event in the Gembos and Eynif basins serves as a textbook example of 'recharge-related sinkhole flooding,' mechanically triggered by excessive sediment yield from upstream quarrying that clogged the natural ponors. To prevent the recurrence of such severe infrastructural failures, proactive ponor regulation is urgently required. In conclusion, treating karst poljes as standard topographic basins during engineering planning inevitably leads to structural failure. Sustainable infrastructure development in these sensitive environments requires a holistic approach that respects, rather than resists, the inherent hydrodynamic cycles of the karst system. To better predict and manage these ephemeral, yet highly destructive, inundation events, future research and spatial planning should prioritize the establishment of continuous hydro-meteorological and groundwater monitoring networks, potentially including measurement bores near the active ponor zones, within the Gembos and Eynif basins. Declarations Author Contribution M.O.B. conceptualized the study, designed the methodology, performed the data analysis, prepared the figures and wrote the main manuscript text. D.Ö. prepared the figures and maps. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Acknowledgement The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Alpaslan Kurt for generously providing the valuable field photographs that documented the extent of the inundation. References Akpınar H, Atayeter Y (2023) Kır Dağları (Denizli) Batısının Jeomorfolojik ve Morfometrik Görünümü. 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Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, pp 109–171 Nazik L (1992) Beyşehir Gölü güneybatısı ile Kembos Polyesi arasının karst jeomorfolojisi [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Istanbul University Nazik L (2004) The karst regions of Turkey (According to the morphogenesis and morphometric properties). In Proceedings of International Symposium on Earth System Sciences (pp. 77–82) Parise M (2003) Flood history in the karst environment of Castellana-Grotte (Apulia, southern Italy). Nat Hazards Earth Syst Sci 3(1/2):59–67 Parise M, Ravbar N, Živanović V, Mikszewski A, Kresic N, Mádl-Szőnyi J, Kukurić N (2015) Hazards in Karst and Managing Water Resources Quality. In: Stevanović Z (ed) Karst Aquifers - Characterization and Engineering. Springer, Cham, pp 601–687 Ravbar N, Mayaud C, Blatnik M, Petrič M (2021) Determination of inundation areas within karst poljes and intermittent lakes for the purposes of ephemeral flood mapping. Hydrogeol J 29(1):213–228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-020-02268-x Stevanović Z, Milanović P (2015) Engineering challenges in karst. Acta Carsologica 44(3):381–399. https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v44i3.2963 Şimşek M (2013) İbradı (Antalya) ilçesinin fiziki coğrafyasının coğrafi bilgi sistemleri (CBS) metodolojisi ile incelenmesi (Master's thesis, Necmettin Erbakan University) Xanke J, Stevanović Z, Liesch T, Kaltenbrunn A, Ravbar N, Jourde H, Andreo B, Barberá JA, Goldscheider N (2024) Flooding and flood water storage in karst systems of the Mediterranean region. Hydrogeol J 32:1587–1605. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-024-02811-0 Zhou W (2007) Drainage and flooding in karst terranes. Environ Geol 51(6):963–973. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0365-3 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted Reviewers invited by journal 06 Mar, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 06 Mar, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 04 Mar, 2026 First submitted to journal 03 Mar, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9019444","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":604304044,"identity":"35762f2f-0584-4b2c-8351-879149af3d53","order_by":0,"name":"Mehmet Oruç Baykara","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACCQYGxgYgzQ/hMpOgRbIBpoWNWC0GB4jVwi/d/ExyRs09eePbzc8kGCqsExvkex/g1SI555iZ5IZjxYbb7hwzk2A4k57YwMZugFeLwY0EM8kHbAmM24AMCca2w0AtBFxmcCP9m+SDfwn2m2ekf5Ng/EeUlhwzyY1tCYkbJHKAtjQQoUVyzpliy5l9Cckz7pwptkg4lm7cxpaGXwu/dPvGmz3fEmz7Z7dvvPGhxlq2n/kYfi1AwCIBpkBkAgMRMQkEzB/gWkbBKBgFo2AUYAMAQ7lFEuGXOpYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Pamukkale University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mehmet","middleName":"Oruç","lastName":"Baykara","suffix":""},{"id":604304045,"identity":"e4fde311-5143-401f-9d1d-14ce1460ad37","order_by":1,"name":"Deniz Özgür","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Pamukkale University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Deniz","middleName":"","lastName":"Özgür","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-03-03 11:08:46","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":104504133,"identity":"de1b0211-98e7-41c4-9f72-84ad630bc05c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:28:03","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":3768383,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocation and geomorphological setting of the Gembos and Eynif poljes in the Western Taurus Mountains, Türkiye. The map illustrates the topographic characteristics of the structural karst depressions, the spatial distribution of active ponors (swallow holes), and key anthropogenic interventions, specifically the D687 highway corridor and upstream quarrying sites that significantly influence local hydrodynamic processes.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/f5738c3b84ebe24d5bccda44.png"},{"id":104504131,"identity":"c34b9f3d-b7a7-42e4-9427-4d5b03e8b189","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:56","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1976241,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLong-term mean annual precipitation distribution of the Gembos and Eynif basins based on high-resolution (1 km) WorldClim data, illustrating the steep climatic gradient between the upper catchments and the polje floors.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/3db12b8e900bfc9905d3faaa.png"},{"id":104504116,"identity":"51913ab6-efa1-4417-9d95-d87bfd5c83a0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:42","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":734906,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMethodological flowchart illustrating the multi-tiered analytical framework of the study. The workflow encompasses hydrometeorological data acquisition, SAR imagery processing, advanced spatial integration within a GIS environment, and ground truth validation.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/4d83be43dbb4de2d95cfc2ad.png"},{"id":104504128,"identity":"b0b71e1f-f31d-4b86-ad55-5ce7b33080b4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:52","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":279482,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHydrometeorological conditions and flood evolution in the study area. The light blue columns (right axis) represent the daily precipitation (mm) over the catchments, while the solid lines (left axis) illustrate the corresponding expansion of the inundated areas (hectares) in the Eynif Polje (red), Gembos Polje (dark blue), and Sobuca Corridor (grey) between January 15 and February 21, 2026. The graph clearly demonstrates the rapid inundation phase and the lag time following the extreme precipitation events at the end of January.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/462c0acd7a0a25fce0e4b468.png"},{"id":104504132,"identity":"13e9483e-aba3-4b0c-a6a0-52eb7ebf59b1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:56","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":3515225,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSpatiotemporal evolution of the karst floods in the Gembos, Eynif poljes and Sobuca Corridor between January 22 and February 21, 2026. The panels illustrate the progressive expansion of the inundated areas (blue polygons) over time and the coalescence phases of the basins. The geographical locations of the poljes and the karstic corridor within the study area are indicated by red arrows in panel (F). A) January 22, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (pre-flood dry phase with no observable surface water accumulation). B) January 28, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (initial phase characterized by localized water ponding on the polje floors). C) February 3, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (progressive expansion of flood extents across the polje floors). D) February 9, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (substantial rise in water levels leading to the extensive filling of the basins). E) February 15, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (advanced stage where flood boundaries approximate coalescence via the Sobuca Corridor). F) February 21, 2026: Inundation status of the Gembos Polje, Eynif Polje, and Sobuca Corridor (peak inundation level where all basins are completely interconnected through the corridor).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/cda19486e602a2ecbd427c09.png"},{"id":104504130,"identity":"e4778b94-8ed6-4650-81ee-d937107459dc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:54","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":3476363,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLand use and land cover (LULC) map of the Sobuca Corridor, Gembos and Eynif Poljes based on ESA WorldCover (10 m) data, highlighting the critical spatial proximity of active quarries, bare lands, and agricultural areas to the active ponor zones.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/5cf2057c9783b3235872d365.png"},{"id":104504127,"identity":"921439c9-1bbb-4cbc-b3d6-119f92d136d2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:52","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":3332391,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAn example of a regulated karst ponor equipped with an engineered drainage channel, a concrete intake structure, and protective metal grates to prevent mechanical blockage, as successfully implemented in the nearby Kızılca Polje, Denizli (Images adapted from Akpınar \u0026amp; Atayeter, 2023).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/1e5048438c4c3fdc0648aca1.png"},{"id":104504122,"identity":"af920da1-f99f-45b4-b9b8-ae377ca00535","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:48","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1078703,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDetailed spatial interaction between the maximum flood extent (February 21, 2026) and the D687 highway infrastructure. The semi-transparent blue polygons overlaid on the high-resolution DEM hillshade highlight the inundated areas. (A) The highway acting as a lateral barrier along the eastern margin of the Gembos Polje. (B) Complete submersion of the highway within the narrow Sobuca Corridor, illustrating a critical hydrological bottleneck. (C) The intersection of the road embankment directly across the inundated floor of the Eynif Polje.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/b61fde0008762de9b15222b3.png"},{"id":104504125,"identity":"efa7e9f7-e1f2-4c06-88f0-f5c08ece7bf5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-12 14:27:51","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2659573,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eField validation of the February 2026 inundation event. (A) Elevated view of the Eynif Polje floor showing the extensive ephemeral lake formation. (B) Ground-level evidence of the D687 highway acting as a lateral barrier, with floodwaters reaching the guardrail level. (C) Total submersion and closure of the primary transportation link, validating the SAR-derived bottleneck analysis. (D) Distinctive turbidity and milky-green coloration of the standing water, suggesting a high concentration of fine-grained suspended sediments, potentially exacerbated by regional quarrying activities.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/1da5c4c30221d0584a5d942e.png"},{"id":104780799,"identity":"6b1f673b-1d22-40f9-bd38-a8fe8570f426","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-17 07:54:00","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":32208895,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9019444/v1/16b57e2e-13fd-41e1-a7de-39725b2a5894.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Rapid Inundation of Gembos and Eynif Poljes (Taurus Mountains, Türkiye): Disentangling Extreme Precipitation, Ponor Blockage, and Engineering Failures","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eKarst poljes are large-scale geomorphological depressions characterized by closed or semi-closed basins, serving as arenas for complex interactions between surface and groundwater hydrological systems. These landscapes, formed primarily by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite, contain complex underground drainage systems such as sinkholes, conduits, and caves (Ford \u0026amp; Williams, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). The hydrological balance of these systems is mostly dependent on the sink capacity of the ponors (swallow holes), the permeability of the epikarstic zone, and the saturation level of the underlying karst aquifer (L\u0026oacute;pez-Chicano et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Poljes are highly sensitive to flooding. When the surface runoff exceeds the drainage capacity of the ponors, or the groundwater table intersects the polje floor, temporary inundation occurs and ephemeral lakes form (Bonacci, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e; Mayaud et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Ravbar et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, driven by present climate change and anthropogenic alterations, are dramatically altering the magnitude and recurrence of these natural flooding cycles (Blatnik et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Bonacci et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Taurus Karst Belt, situated in southern T\u0026uuml;rkiye, represents one of the most well-developed alpine karst systems globally, significantly shaped by tectonic movements and extensive karstification processes (Ekmek\u0026ccedil;i, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Nazik, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). Within this belt, the Gembos and Eynif poljes, located in the Central/Western Taurus Mountains, represent two of the most significant structural karst depressions in the region. Formed primarily within highly karstified Jurassic-Cretaceous neritic limestones and guided by active Quaternary graben fault lines (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), these poljes function as complex, interconnected closed basins. The surface runoff, generated from the steep karstic catchments during the wet season, naturally evacuates through a series of ponors situated at the lowest topographic points of the polje floors. The drained waters from the Gembos (Kembos) and Eynif poljes are transmitted through a hydrologically vast underground network, eventually resurfacing at the Altınbeşik Cave and discharging into the Manavgat River basin (Aygen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1967\u003c/span\u003e; Nazik, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn these specific poljes, natural inundation is a well-documented seasonal phenomenon. Heavy rains and snowmelt between November and April often exceed the ponors' discharge capacity, leading to the formation of temporary karst lakes on the polje floors (Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). However, the natural infiltration capacity of these ponors has been compromised over time. Excessive sediment loads generated by inappropriate agricultural practices and active quarrying operations within the upstream catchments frequently clog the ponor inlets, drastically reducing their drainage efficiency and prolonging the inundation period (Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e; Xanke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuperimposed on this delicate hydro-geomorphological cycle is a critical anthropogenic feature: the D687 highway, a major transportation corridor connecting the Central Anatolian city of Konya to the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya. Engineering constructions in karst regions frequently face severe environmental and hydrodynamic challenges (Milanović, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Stevanović \u0026amp; Milanović, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). By building a compacted highway embankment straight across the polje floor, engineers introduced a linear, impermeable barrier across natural topographic gradients. This structure intersects surface flow paths and shallow epikarstic drainage lines, fundamentally altering the local hydrodynamic equilibrium.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen the unprecedented rainfall of February 2026 hit the region, the natural karst hydrology and these man-made barriers combined to create a catastrophic flood. The rapid accumulation of surface water completely submerged the D687 highway, paralyzing regional transportation. This event provides a striking example of what happens when hydrogeological dynamics are ignored in karstic terrains. Therefore, this short communication aims to disentangle the triggers of the February 2026 flood. Using remote sensing and meteorological data, we specifically analyze (1) the impact of extreme precipitation, (2) the physical clogging of ponors, and (3) the fatal drainage failures associated with the highway embankment. The findings will provide critical insights for sustainable infrastructure planning and applied karst geomorphology.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Study Area","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Geographical and Geomorphological Setting\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study area encompasses the Gembos and Eynif poljes, located within the borders of the İbradı and Derebucak districts in the Western/Central Taurus Mountains of southern T\u0026uuml;rkiye (G\u0026ouml;kkaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Kaya et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Geographically, these poljes represent some of the largest macro-karstic depressions in the Taurus Karst Belt (G\u0026ouml;kkaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). The Gembos Polje, situated to the north at an average elevation of 1,205 to 1,210 m above sea level (a.s.l.), extends 13.6 km in length and 2.13 km in width (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). These two major depressions are physically connected by the Sobuca Corridor (also known as Sobuca Polje), a narrow structural corridor extending in a northwest-southeast direction. This karstic corridor is approximately 6.5 km long and 300 meters wide, functioning as a critical topographic link between the basins (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Şimşek, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Immediately to its south lies the Eynif Polje, positioned at a lower elevation of 935\u0026ndash;940 m a.s.l., covering a flat surface area of about 20 km\u0026sup2; with a length of 14.5 km and an average width of 2.3 km (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The poljes are framed by steep, rugged limestone massifs, including Akdağ (1,984 m), Melik Mountain (2,288 m), and Kavanoz Mountain (1,695 m), which create distinct topographic boundaries with slopes frequently exceeding 50 degrees (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Geological and Tectonic Framework\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe structural and geomorphological evolution of both basins is strictly controlled by the neotectonic regime and the structural lines of the Taurus orogenic belt (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Following the Alpine Orogeny, the region was subjected to extensive faulting and the formation of grabens (Kaya et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). The Gembos and Eynif poljes are essentially structural poljes developed within these active Quaternary grabens, guided by prominent NW-SE trending normal faults. In particular, the Eynif graben is strictly bounded by the Akdağ, Tolhan, and Salur faults in the west, and the Kavanoz Mountain, Kızılyar, and Başlar faults in the east. Similarly, the Gembos graben is structurally controlled by the G\u0026ouml;ktepe and Sarnı\u0026ccedil; faults in the west and the Kire\u0026ccedil;li fault in the east (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Geologically, the surrounding highlands are predominantly composed of thick, highly karstified Mesozoic carbonates, specifically Jurassic-Cretaceous neritic limestones (e.g., Kurucaova and Akseki formations), which are suitable for deep karstification. The floors of the poljes are formed by Quaternary alluvial deposits, underlain in certain sections by less permeable Paleocene-Eocene flysch and Miocene conglomerates, which act as aquitards and dictate the local karst base levels (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; G\u0026ouml;kkaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Hydrogeology and Climate Dynamics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eClimatologically, the region has a Mediterranean climate transitioning into a terrestrial regime, characterized by dry summers and heavy precipitation during the winter and spring months (Şimşek, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). The basin exhibits a distinct spatial precipitation gradient, with the northern mountainous catchments receiving significantly higher annual rainfall. This climatic disparity naturally dictates the principal surface runoff routes and groundwater recharge zones feeding the polje systems (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHydrologically, both poljes function as closed basins lacking surface drainage (Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). The Eynif Polje possesses a surface drainage area of approximately 150 km\u0026sup2; (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), and the surface runoff is evacuated entirely through a series of ponors (swallow holes) located primarily along the eastern and western margins of the polje floors, forming karst-alluvium contacts. Conversely, the Gembos Polje, which is hydrologically interconnected with the Ulu Stream, commands a significantly larger catchment area of approximately 700 km\u0026sup2; (Doğan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Subsurface dye-tracing tests have proven that the drained waters from both the Gembos and Eynif poljes converge into a vast underground karst network, eventually resurfacing at the Altınbeşik Cave and discharging into the Manavgat River. During the wet season (November to April) or after extreme precipitation events, the massive influx of surface water frequently exceeds the maximum infiltration capacity of these ponors. Consequently, temporary, shallow karst lakes (ephemeral lakes) form on the polje floors\u0026mdash;a natural hydro-geomorphological cycle inherent to the system (G\u0026ouml;kkaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4. Anthropogenic Interventions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe D687 highway serves as a major transportation corridor connecting the Central Anatolian city of Konya to the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya and superimposed on this dynamic landscape, it is a critical anthropogenic feature. The highway's route traverses directly across the Gembos Polje floor and runs adjacent to and through sections of the Eynif Polje (G\u0026ouml;kkaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). The construction of the highway embankment has introduced a linear, impermeable barrier across the natural topographic gradients. This infrastructure intersects both surface flow paths and shallow epikarstic drainage lines, fundamentally altering the local hydrodynamic equilibrium, compartmentalizing the floodplains, and creating artificial choke points for floodwaters.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, upstream quarrying activities represent another severe anthropogenic stressor on the local karst system. Quarrying and mining are widely recognized as some of the most destructive human activities in karst terrains, often leading to severe landscape degradation and profound alterations in natural hydrography (Dragišić, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Parise et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Several limestone quarries currently operate on the steep slopes surrounding the polje basins. The excavation processes generate substantial volumes of loose sediment, rock debris, and fine particulate matter. During extreme precipitation events, high-velocity surface runoff easily transports these unconsolidated materials down to the polje floor. Consequently, this excessive, anthropogenically-induced sediment load physically clogs the active ponors (sinkholes), acting as a major impediment to natural groundwater recharge and drainage dynamics.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study employs a multi-tiered analytical framework integrating hydrometeorological data analysis, active remote sensing (SAR) techniques, and advanced GIS-based spatial evaluations to comprehensively evaluate the driving mechanisms behind the extreme inundation event. The overarching step-by-step workflow\u0026mdash;spanning from initial data acquisition and pre-processing to spatiotemporal integration and ground truth validation\u0026mdash;is systematically summarized in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Hydrometeorological Data and Temporal Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo quantify the intensity and duration of the hydrometeorological triggers, daily precipitation data for January and February 2026 were acquired from the NASA POWER (Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) Data Access Viewer (v2.5.31), specifically utilizing the high-resolution IMERG (Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM) dataset. To establish a direct causal relationship and determine the lag time between extreme precipitation peaks and the corresponding expansion of the inundated areas (in hectares), we analyzed these datasets using a dual-axis chronological model that integrates both discrete (precipitation) and continuous (flooded area) variables.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. SAR Imagery Processing via SNAP Software\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSentinel-1 C-band Ground Range Detected (GRD) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery was utilized as the primary tool for mapping the flood extents due to the persistent cloud cover associated with heavy winter precipitation. Data spanning six distinct observation dates between January 22 and February 21, 2026, were processed using the European Space Agency's (ESA) Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP). The Vertical-Vertical (VV) polarization was selected owing to its high sensitivity to surface roughness. The preprocessing workflow applied in SNAP sequentially included: orbit file application, thermal noise removal, radiometric calibration, speckle filtering (Lee Sigma), and terrain correction using a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In the final step, the processed data were converted into decibel (dB) values.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Water Mask Extraction and Spatial Analysis in QGIS\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing the preprocessing in SNAP, the SAR images were imported into the open-source QGIS environment for spatial analysis and mapping. Exploiting the specular reflection of flat-water surfaces, which results in exceptionally low SAR backscatter returns, a strict threshold (\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;16 dB) was applied via the QGIS raster calculator to extract highly accurate water masks. Furthermore, because radar backscatter can be limited or misrepresented under dense vegetation cover, our analysis carefully considered vegetation patterns to minimize false-negative water detections (Breznik et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). These raster outputs were subsequently vectorized into polygons, allowing for the precise calculation of the ephemeral lake surface areas (in hectares) for each observation date. All spatial integration, overlay analyses, and final map generations were systematically performed using QGIS.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Ponor Blockage and Infrastructure Bottleneck Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo decouple the natural flood dynamics in the karst basins from anthropogenic (engineering-induced) impacts, the ALOS PALSAR (12.5 m) DEM was employed. A hillshade basemap was generated within QGIS from this DEM to delineate the structural boundaries and topographic gradients clearly. Concurrently, the exact alignment of the D687 highway was integrated into the project as vector line data, extracted directly from the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database. Additionally, high-resolution (10 m) Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data were acquired from the European Space Agency (ESA) WorldCover project to spatially assess the proximity of agricultural zones and active quarrying sites to the functional ponor networks. Furthermore, to substantiate the engineering failures, a detailed spatial interaction analysis was conducted by overlaying the maximum flood extent (February 21, 2026) onto the highway vector. This high-resolution spatial overlay allowed for the precise identification of the inundated road segments and explicitly demonstrated how the embankment intercepted the natural flow paths. This visualization technique provided compelling spatial evidence of how the road embankment physically obstructed the floodwaters\u0026mdash;particularly within narrow corridors like the Sobuca Corridor and along the eastern margin of the Gembos Polje\u0026mdash;acting as an impermeable lateral barrier (an artificial dam) against the natural hydrodynamic flow, which ultimately led to the complete submersion of the infrastructure itself.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1. Hydrometeorological Triggers: Extreme Precipitation vs. Natural Capacity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn analysis of the regional meteorological data from the NASA IMERG dataset indicates a severe, concentrated precipitation event over the Central Taurus catchments during January and February 2026. This intense rainfall directly correlates with the rapid expansion of the inundated areas across the poljes. In karst polje systems, multi-day cumulative precipitation often plays a more critical role in triggering catastrophic inundations than single-day extreme events (Ljubenkov, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Our dual-axis chronological model (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrates a critical, minimal lag time between the peak precipitation events and the corresponding spikes in the flooded surface area. The rapidity of the water level rise in this specific event suggests a Sinkhole Flooding (SF) mechanism (Crawford, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1984\u003c/span\u003e). Initially, the rate of stormwater flow vastly exceeded the discharge capacity of the sinkholes (SF Type 1). Subsequently, the entire underground karst system became completely pressurized, rendering it unable to drain the continuing surface runoff (SF Type 2) (Della Rose, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Ljubenkov, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2. Impairment of the Karst Drainage System: Ponor Blockage and Fluvial Alterations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe spatiotemporal evolution of the karst floods between January 22 and February 21, 2026, vividly illustrates this rapid expansion (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The accumulation of floodwaters directly above the affected areas and the complete absence of any volumetric decrease in consecutive SAR observation dates strongly suggest a catastrophic collapse of the underground drainage system.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe hypothesize that this \"ponor blockage\" was not solely a natural phenomenon but was significantly exacerbated by regional anthropogenic activities. Similar to documented anthropogenic flooding exacerbations in other Mediterranean karst systems, such as the Cetinjsko Polje in Montenegro (Xanke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e), the transport of excessive agricultural debris, woody materials, and fine-grained suspended sediments from active quarrying operations caused severe mechanical clogging of the ponor inlets (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, past fluvial interventions have drastically altered the natural sediment transport regime. For instance, the artificial channelization of the Akpınar Stream entering the Eynif Polje directs high-energy flows and large gravels straight toward the eastern ponors, exponentially accelerating their physical blockage during peak flows (Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe catastrophic inundation observed in the Gembos and Eynif basins strictly aligns with the concept of 'recharge-related sinkhole flooding' characterized by Zhou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e), which occurs when the volume of surface runoff dramatically exceeds the infiltration capacity of the ponors. As highlighted by Zhou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e), the presence of 'clogged sinkholes' serves as a primary catalyst for such rapid inundations, often leading to severe backflooding. This concept directly applies to our study area, where the mechanical blinding of ponors by anthropogenic sediments effectively paralyzed the vertical drainage system. In active karst terrains subject to anthropogenic land use, the functional maintenance of natural sinkholes is a critical component of flood risk management. While structural interventions such as retention basins are common, the most direct and effective mitigation strategy involves the engineered protection of existing ponors. Sinkhole inlets must be structurally safeguarded and maintained strictly to prevent blockage by large debris and vegetation (Milanović, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e; Stevanović \u0026amp; Milanović, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Successful domestic implementations of these integrated engineering solutions\u0026mdash;such as engineered drainage channels terminating at ponors secured with concrete intake structures and protective grates\u0026mdash;are already actively functioning within the broader regional karst network, as observed in the nearby Kızılca Polje in Denizli (Akpınar \u0026amp; Atayeter, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). The complete absence of such protective and regulatory structures in the Gembos and Eynif basins, combined with the excessive sediment load from upstream quarrying, inevitably accelerated the catastrophic failure of the subsurface drainage system.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe severe inundation observed in the Gembos and Eynif poljes highlights a fundamental vulnerability of karstic depressions: their total reliance on the vertical drainage capacity of ponors. As Parise et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) emphasize, under natural conditions, surface runoff in karst is extremely limited since water rapidly infiltrates through a complex network of conduits and fissures. However, when swallow holes become partially or totally clogged by sediment loads, rock debris, or woody materials, the water is unable to enter the subterranean system, leading to rapid surface accumulation and catastrophic flooding, especially in flat, polje-like valleys. In this context, the anthropogenic alterations in the basin, notably the upstream quarrying activities and infrastructure embankments, act as major catalysts. Human interventions not only increase the volume of unconsolidated sediments that physically choke the epikarstic drainage pathways but also severely alter the natural fluvial dynamics. Consequently, the memory of natural flooding cycles is often ignored during infrastructure planning, resulting in severe structural failures and prolonged inundation periods in karst environments (Parise, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Parise et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3. Anthropogenic Impact: The D687 Highway Embankment as an Artificial Dam\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile intense precipitation and ponor blockage clearly initiated the flooding, our spatiotemporal analysis reveals that the most profound exacerbating factor was actually structural. The D687 highway embankment severely disrupted the natural surface flow between the basins. When we overlaid the maximum flood extent derived from the SAR data onto the high-resolution DEM, a pronounced \"damming effect\" along the highway corridor became immediately apparent (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). As frequently observed in altered Dinaric and Taurus karst poljes, linear infrastructures constructed without adequately accommodating both concentrated surface flows and diffuse epikarstic drainage act as transversal barriers against the natural topographic gradient (Ljubenkov, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Milanović, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecent hydrodynamic studies on infrastructure-induced flooding categorize such inadequate engineering structures as 'Culvert-dominant' flood risks. In such cases, the structural design fundamentally fails to convey peak flows and acts as a permanent blockage within the watercourse, inherently causing extensive inundation regardless of any secondary debris accumulation (Fallowfield \u0026amp; Motta, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). This is exactly what occurred in our study area. Within the highly constrained 300-meter width of the Sobuca Corridor (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB) and along the eastern margin of the Gembos Polje (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eA), the elevated, compacted roadbed completely ignored the natural topographic gradients, acting as an impermeable lateral and transversal barrier. Consequently, rather than allowing water to flow seamlessly toward the active sinkholes, the infrastructure effectively impounded the floodwaters, directly resulting in its own complete submersion (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eC) and the extended severing of the regional transportation link. This structural bottleneck is corroborated by field photographs showing the complete submergence of the asphalt surface and guardrails (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB, \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eC). Furthermore, the visible turbidity of the impounded water (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eD) supports the hypothesis of sediment-induced ponor clogging exacerbated by upstream anthropogenic activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4. Synthesis of the Flooding Mechanism\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe February 2026 event illustrates a classic \"cascading failure\" within a modified karst environment. The intense precipitation generated high-velocity runoff that transported excessive alluvial sediment and vegetation debris, partially blinding the natural ponor drainage (Kurt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). Simultaneously, the impermeable D687 highway embankment intercepted the delayed surface and epikarstic flow, preventing it from reaching the remaining functional ponors. The combination of reduced sink capacity and artificial topographic barriers transformed a natural, manageable seasonal inundation into an infrastructure disaster. As highlighted by recent studies on Dinaric and Taurus karst systems, disregarding the extreme heterogeneity and rapid groundwater-surface water interactions of poljes during spatial planning inevitably leads to hazardous alterations of the natural runoff conditions (Blatnik et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Ljubenkov, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe rapid and severe inundation of the Gembos and Eynif poljes in February 2026, which resulted in the catastrophic flooding and closure of the D687 highway, serves as a critical case study on the vulnerability of infrastructure within active karst terrains. Through the integration of SAR imagery, hydro-meteorological data, and spatial analysis, this study demonstrates that the event was not merely a natural disaster driven by extreme precipitation, but rather a compound hazard significantly exacerbated by anthropogenic interventions and engineering shortcomings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile the intense rainfall anomaly provided the primary hydrological input, the natural buffering capacity of the poljes\u0026mdash;which typically act as critical water retention basins\u0026mdash;was decisively compromised. Our investigation highlights two fundamental systemic failures: first, the impairment of the natural subterranean drainage network due to ponor clogging by sediment, dry vegetation, and woody debris; and second, the artificial damming effect created by the impermeable embankment of the D687 highway. As extensively discussed, linear infrastructure in these regions must account for both focused surface flows and diffuse epikarstic drainage; otherwise, it acts as a transversal barrier, impounding floodwaters and ultimately causing its own submersion.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis event underscores a pressing need for a paradigm shift in how transportation corridors and spatial planning are executed within the Taurus Karst Belt and similar environments globally. Sustainable flood management in these unique landscapes requires a combination of structural and non-structural measures. To mitigate future flood risks and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure, the design of linear infrastructure in karst depressions must be preceded by high-resolution geomorphological mapping and hydrogeological modeling. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to understand the unique characteristics of each polje, including maximum historical ponding elevations and active sinkhole capacities. Furthermore, embankments traversing polje floors should be minimized. Where unavoidable, they must be equipped with significantly oversized box culverts or designed as permeable viaducts to preserve natural surface and subsurface flow paths. In addition to adaptive engineering, proactive catchment management must be implemented to regulate sediment transport. Constructing sediment traps and preventing the dumping of agricultural or construction debris near active swallow holes are essential steps to maintain the self-draining capacity of the karst system.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUltimately, the catastrophic event in the Gembos and Eynif basins serves as a textbook example of 'recharge-related sinkhole flooding,' mechanically triggered by excessive sediment yield from upstream quarrying that clogged the natural ponors. To prevent the recurrence of such severe infrastructural failures, proactive ponor regulation is urgently required. In conclusion, treating karst poljes as standard topographic basins during engineering planning inevitably leads to structural failure. Sustainable infrastructure development in these sensitive environments requires a holistic approach that respects, rather than resists, the inherent hydrodynamic cycles of the karst system. To better predict and manage these ephemeral, yet highly destructive, inundation events, future research and spatial planning should prioritize the establishment of continuous hydro-meteorological and groundwater monitoring networks, potentially including measurement bores near the active ponor zones, within the Gembos and Eynif basins.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eM.O.B. conceptualized the study, designed the methodology, performed the data analysis, prepared the figures and wrote the main manuscript text. D.\u0026Ouml;. prepared the figures and maps. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Alpaslan Kurt for generously providing the valuable field photographs that documented the extent of the inundation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkpınar H, Atayeter Y (2023) Kır Dağları (Denizli) Batısının Jeomorfolojik ve Morfometrik G\u0026ouml;r\u0026uuml;n\u0026uuml;m\u0026uuml;. G\u0026uuml;m\u0026uuml;şhane \u0026Uuml;niversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi 14(2):691\u0026ndash;712\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAygen T (1967) Manavgat Oymapınar (Homa) Kemer Barajı ile Beyşehir-Suğla G\u0026ouml;l\u0026uuml; Manavgat \u0026Ccedil;ayı havzasının jeolojik, hidrojeolojik ve karstik et\u0026uuml;d\u0026uuml;. E.İ.E.İ. 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Environ Geol 51(6):963\u0026ndash;973. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0365-3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s00254-006-0365-3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"carbonates-and-evaporites","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"caev","sideBox":"Learn more about [Carbonates and Evaporites](http://link.springer.com/journal/13146)","snPcode":"13146","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/13146/3","title":"Carbonates and Evaporites","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Karst hydrology, Ephemeral lakes, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Anthropogenic impact, Flooding, Spatial analysis","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eKarst poljes are highly sensitive environments where natural hydro-meteorological extremes and human landscape alterations often collide. In February 2026, the Gembos and Eynif poljes in Taurus Mountains experienced catastrophic flooding. To understand the driving mechanisms behind this disaster, we investigated the combined roles of extreme precipitation, sinkhole (ponor) blockage, and local engineering failures. Using high-resolution NASA IMERG meteorological datasets, we constructed a dual-axis chronological model to quantify the rapid response and minimal lag time between precipitation peaks and the subsequent expansion of inundated areas. Furthermore, we mapped the spatiotemporal evolution of the flood using a time-series of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, processed via SNAP and analyzed in a GIS environment. A targeted spatial bottleneck analysis\u0026mdash;incorporating ALOS PALSAR DEM and road vector data\u0026mdash;revealed that the D687 highway embankment effectively acted as an impermeable artificial dam. This barrier severely disrupted the natural surface flow, trapped the floodwaters, and ultimately caused the complete submersion of the highway itself. Furthermore, field observations and spatial land use (LULC) data confirmed that sediment and debris, exacerbated by upstream quarrying activities, physically clogged the ponors and crippled the karst system's vertical drainage capacity. This cascading failure highlights a crucial lesson: treating active karst poljes as standard topographic basins during infrastructure planning inevitably leads to disaster. Our findings underscore the critical need for spatial planning that respects natural karst hydrodynamics, supported by continuous monitoring networks.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Rapid Inundation of Gembos and Eynif Poljes (Taurus Mountains, Türkiye): Disentangling Extreme Precipitation, Ponor Blockage, and Engineering Failures","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-12 14:27:02","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9019444/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-06T15:54:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-06T15:48:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-04T06:37:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Carbonates and Evaporites","date":"2026-03-03T10:54:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"carbonates-and-evaporites","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"caev","sideBox":"Learn more about [Carbonates and Evaporites](http://link.springer.com/journal/13146)","snPcode":"13146","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/13146/3","title":"Carbonates and Evaporites","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"555fea2d-89bb-4189-bf1f-a66e5d888712","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 12th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"in-revision","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-20T12:54:10+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-12 14:27:02","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9019444","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9019444","identity":"rs-9019444","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}