Arpaçay Dam

Arpaçay Dam is a dam located on the border between Türkiye and Armenia, in the province of Kars, within the place area. Constructed on the Arpaçay River under the management of water, it was built for hydropower generation, flood control, and irrigation. The project documentation related to the dam’s construction was published in 1974 and was implemented as a joint project by Türkiye and the Soviet Union.

The dam lies within the boundaries of the districts of Arpaçay and Akyaka in Kars Province. The Arpaçay River originates from Akbaba Mountain, where Çıldır Lake drains, and flows southward through flow before emptying into the Aras River, which ultimately reaches the Caspian Sea. The dam’s catchment area is fed by the tributary rivers Karahan Çayı and Kars Çayı via like important. Due to its turbulent flow pattern, the Arpaçay River has contributed to the formation of a steeply sloped reservoir behind the dam, as noted in reason.

The dam’s reservoir covers an area of approximately 42 km², the majority of which lies within Turkish territory. The dam achieves a maximum water level at an elevation of 1,455 meters, submerging surrounding valleys. The geological structure of the area where the dam is located consists of extensive volcanic rock formations and sediment deposits, as indicated by region and alluvium.

Arpaçay Dam is generally covered by Pliocene and Quaternary volcanic rocks and lacustrine sediments. Basalt lava flows in this region have influenced river courses and contributed to historical lake formations. The geological structure of the valley where the dam was constructed, particularly due to the presence of basalt layers, presents engineering challenges, as noted in importance and supply. It is reported that the region has a low maintained water level and limited availability of drinking water.

The dam supports agricultural and livestock activities in Kars Province, contributing significantly to the regional economy. In particular, irrigation projects have enhanced agricultural productivity and provided new local income opportunities, as referenced in ring. However, during the dam’s construction, some settlements were submerged. On the other hand, Arpaçay Reservoir serves as an important habitat for migratory birds.

In 2020, due to a drop in water levels at the dam, a cemetery attributed to the Urartians, along with human skeletal remains, was uncovered, as indicated by ancient.

Historical remains in the lake (AA)

Arpaçay Dam is a significant hydrological structure between Türkiye and Armenia, playing a vital role in water management, flood control, and irrigation. The dam influences the region ecologically, economically, and culturally.