The Geopark Potential of Tortum Valley
Transkript
The Geopark Potential of Tortum Valley
THE GEOPARK POTENTIAL OF TORTUM VALLEY (ERZURUMTURKEY) AND ITS SURROUNDINGS Faris KARAHAN1, İbrahim KOPAR2, Tuba ORHAN3, Egemen ÇAKIR4 Abstract Geoparks are places where natural geographical characteristics are found by side and which must be protected since they have significant scientific value and qualities. One of the places that deserves to be called “geopark” is the valley of Tortum stream, which form some of the important branches of river Çoruh, found in Eastern Black Sea part of the Black Sea Region. The mentioned valley has formed a gorge valley a depth of more than 1000 meters by cutting its way through the point where it merges with river Çoruh. The formed gorge valley and the places surroundings it have geological, geomorphologic and hydrological formations belonging to various geological periods. Some of such formations as Tortum gorge valley, Tortum landslide lake and Tortum waterfall, other landslide lakes on slide area (called Yedigöller), Uzundere cave, badlands and capped fairy chimney, unique strata in the valley outcrops of curved and horizontal tectonic structures, floating islands, many seasonal lakes and waterfalls, climatic and vegetative variety offer natural and perfect views for the onlookers. The fact that most of these elements are found together or within short distances and that there is no problem of transportation increase the significance of the area. The valley and surrounding places, which cover so large on area as to provide local, regional and economic development through geotourism, include scientifically important and rare places that could be aesthetic as a geological heritage. A part from the natural formations, there are other values that could shed light on archeological, historical and cultural past of the area. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the richness of the area with respect to geopark and geotourism. Development of the geopark and geotourism model in the area which is like and outdoor museum, will enable the protection of natural and cultural heritage and provide significant advantages in terms of regional development. Key worsd: Tortum Valley, Geopark, Geotourism Introduction: Geo-parks are the areas which include natural geographic characteristics required to be protected due to their significant scientific values and features. Sustainable regional development, which is one of the main aims of geo-parks, is based directly on geo-tourism. Just as some innovations, which geo-parks have brought about in nature conservation concept, geo-tourism has caused new implications in touristic activities. Although there exist many areas carrying geo-park characteristics in Turkey, problematic situation about this fact is that they have not yet been officially defined as geo-parks. The only institution to act officially 1 Faris KARAHAN, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel/Fax: 0-442-231 23 56 / 24 27; e-mail: fkarahan@atauni.edu.tr 2 İbrahim KOPAR, Assist. Prof. Dr. Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Literature, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel/Fax: 0-442-231 40 84 e-mail: ikopar@atauni.edu.tr 3 Tuba ORHAN, Ph. D. Student, Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, 25240, Erzurum; Tel: 05363296629 e-mail: tubaorhan25@hotmail.com 4 Egemen ÇAKIR, Project Director, Eastern Anatolia Tourism Development Project (DATUR); Tel:05326064096 e-mail: egemen_cakir@yahoo.com 1 about geo – parks in Turkey is the JEMİRKO5, Turkish acronym of Jeolojik Mirası Koruma Derneği (Society of Geological Heritage Protection ) in the body of Geology Engineering Department of Ankara University (Gümüş 2008; 26). Tortum Creek valley and its close proximity deserve being a geo-park with its distinctive landscape, ecosystem and landscape characteristics. Valley’s itself is even worth seeing due to narrow sides and deeply carved slopes. In addition, the features such as Tortum landslide barrier lake and waterfall, sequenced landslide lakes on the landslide mass, (Yedigöller), Uzundere Cave, badlands and fairy chimney, unique structures of bended and horizontal tectonic layers in valley mostra, formations of floating island, seasonal lakes and waterfalls at upper levels of valley and perceptible climate and vegetation diversity in a short distance can offer natural and limitless experience of watching scenes for visitors. The aim of this study is to show the richness of Tortum Valley and its close proximity in the respect of geo-park and geo-tourism and introduce this unique diversity caused by distinctive landscape characteristics in order to develop rural tourism and improve economic wealth. Introduction and development of geo-park and geo – tourism concepts in the area, which is already a natural outdoor museum with its characteristics, and formation of a tourism development model based on the protection of natural and cultural heritage may cause many beneficial results as for regional economic development . Method and Materials In order to determine the potential of Tortum Valley for geo-tourism and being a geopark, almost all documented materials related to the area were reviewed. The area was surveyed several times on different dates, features which can play a basic role for the area to be a geo-park were photographed and all the data from the area was processed and recorded in order to draw a map. In addition, thematic maps are currently being drawn for this aim. An additional aim is to expand the study area by involving whole area of Tortum Creek watershed The area was assessed for geo-tourism potentials taking the studies by Gürlek (2002) and Önder and Polat (2004) into consideration and using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysing method. Natural Geographic Characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed Tortum Creek Watershed, lying between Mescit Mountains in North Anatolia Orogenic Zone and Kargapazarı Mountains an important mass of Erzurum – Kars Plateau, is governed from the cities of Erzurum and Artvin in part. Watershed exhibits a highly broken relief due to the events having occurred in the morpho – tectonic evolution of Anatolia from Paleozoic up to date. As the consequence of the collision of two continents, sediments accumulated in Tetis geosynclinals moved upward by twisting and orogenic zones have been formed. Afterwards, crust deformations in following faulting caused creeks among mountains extending roughly from east to west. A deep sediment cluster was formed in these watersheds, which were occupied by seas and lakes 5 JEMİRKO: Society of the conservation of geological Heritage. Main aim of the Society established in 2000 is to make National Geo-site and Geo- heritage Inventory of Turkey, in addition to the geo – park feasibility surveys carried out by independent researchers in different areas (Kula-Manisa). 2 from time to time, with the precipitation of flysch and limestone. The old base was covered partially by basalt and andesite formed in Miocene and Pliocene by volcanism. Compressional tectonic was effective in north-eastern part of Anatolia, where the study area is located. With this effect, the region heightened and curled up, broke and was exposed to subsidence and rising movements. Upon these processes, surface waters carved deeply the area and opened valleys causing plateaus. Tortum Valley proposed to be a geo-park area is the work of Tortum creek which eroded its bank deeply according to tectonic theory. Tortum creek, which is included in East Black Sea part of Black Sea Region and one of the most important branches of Çoruh River, rises from the east sides of Dumlu Mountains (3169 m) in the south of Mescit Mountains (3239 m). This stream, which is fed by runoffs from thawing snow and springs, is among the streams with simple water regimen. In spite of seasonal variability, mean flow rate6 is between 2.6 and 12.7 m³/sn. The period when the creek flows fastest is between April and June when snow melting and heavy rainfall are seen. The creek flows into Oltu Creek at a point called Su Kavuşumu nearly 60 km northeast flowing into Çoruh River afterwards. Tortum Creek has caused a narrow strait valley carved about 1000 m along its watercourse with a canyon appearance. Fluvial effects and processes have also played important roles on the valley to be carved so deeply as well as tectonic events. Lithology of the valley and its proximity are composed of old Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks. Ophiolitic rocks take place in the base. Ophiolits, which can be seen in long distance along Tortum Valley, were formed by expanding of basic and ultra-basic magma at the bottom of sea in geosynclinals zones beginning from Mezozoic onwards. fylschs, which have a large expanding area on ophiolites, include Jura-Cretaceous old volcanic blocks, Akçadağlar Formation7, (Atalay et al. 1984: 33: Duman 2009; 68). Mount Dumlu, where Tortum Creek rises is composed of basalt and andesite mostras can be encountered along the valley. The area, where Tortum Creek flows into Çoruh River, consists of Sub – Mesozoic old peridotite, serpentine, gabbro and basalt (ophiolites). Study area has climatic features of passage areas, which shows the characteristics of humid Black Sea and continental East Anatolia climate types. Mean annual rainfall is between 300 and 1200 mm. Significant amount of rainfall falls in spring. Mean annual temperature is 13 to 14 °C. However, climatic elements show considerable differences between Tortum Valley and high mountainous areas. In the lower parts of the valley (between Tortum Dam and Su Kavuşumu area), modified Mediterranean type climate can be seen. Temperature ranges from 12 to 15°C in summer in mountainous areas, it is above 30°C in the valley, which affects vegetation characteristics. Different grassy plants, steppes with anthropogenic trees, and forests can be seen in the area depending on the elevation and climatic features. Alpine and subalpine rangeland can be seen in Mescit Mountains surrounding the north of watershed and Kargapazarı Mountains in the north of the area. Partial Scotch pine forests are present together with anthropogenic steppes (Atalay et al. 1984; 81). Juniper and shrubby species are seen along the valley base. Azonal and intrazonal soil types are prevalent in the area. Limy, sandy and pebbly intrazonal soils are seen on flysch and limestone. This soil without good horizon (A - C) is 6 Turkish State Aquatic Service flow measurement tables. Data from Dikyar station. See for details of the natural geographic characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed: Atalay, İ., Tetik, M., and Yılmaz, Ö., 1985, Ecosystems of Northeast Anatolia, Forestry Research Institution Publications, Technical Bulletin Series No: 141, Ankara. 7 3 exposed to erosion and shallow. Main rock mass can be seen in many region. In high mountainous areas, intrazonal high mountain – rangeland soil can be seen. In the volcanic areas, composed of basalt and andesite, lithosols are seen on the surface. Alluvial and kolluvial from azonal soil group can be seen in the areas subjected to floods. Figure 1. Location of the study area (Erzurum-Turkey) Elements of Visual Values in the Area There are geologic, geomorphologic and hydrologic formations in the area. Among these elements having visual quality value and directly related to valley are; Tortum Valley, Tortum landslide barrier lake, Tortum waterfall and small lakes in landslide zone (Yedigöller). elements related to the sides of the valley are surfaces of badlands and fairy chimney, micro and macro formations with folding tectonic structures, colourful organogenesis clusters and pillow lava mostras. In addition, the cave in Uzundere, floating island formations in the southeast of Tortum district centre, seasonal lakes and waterfalls in high areas, climatic and vegetative alterations in a short distance can be counted among the elements which can contribute to the geotourism potentials of the area. Brief summary of these values are as follows. The Tortum Gorge: Tortum Creek formed a strait valley by crossing anticlines and synclinals. That is why; the valley has an epigenetic (Suremposed) character (Photo 1. A-B). The valley begins from the south east of Tortum district centre and extends Su Kavuşumu point where Tortum Creek flows into Oltu Creek running roughly in north east direction (Fugure 2). Valley is nearly 60 km in length. Valley shows strait valley features beginning 4 from the southwest of Uzundere (Derekapı Village). Wideness of the Valley ranges from 100 to 1200 m depending on formation characteristics and slope. The Valley is carved on Mesozoic and Tertiary old schist and its most deeply carved parts are on fylschs including Jura-Cretaceous old volcanic blocks (Akçadağlar Formation). The Creek flows forming meanders inharmoniously in the area. This condition has caused the valley to have a bending and buried appearance. In the part of valley to Uzundere, it is in a form of cutting valley. After a wide profile part, valley comes to Tortum Lake. The lake was formed by a mass cut off from Kemerli Mount and obscured Tortum Valley. After passing the barrier the creek flows into Hatka (Tevs) stream through a narrow strait (Figure 1). The part between Ulubağ village located on landslide mass and the Dam was cut by a landslide. In this part, narrow and deep valley parts attract attention. Perhaps the most attracting part of Tortum Valley is between Ulubağ Village and Su Kavuşumu area. Narrow and deep view in this part of the Valley has values with high scenic value. Valley profile in the shape of “V” turned to be “U” and this characteristic continues until Oltu Creek. Various small folding beams can be seen on valley sides which can be evaluated to be tectonic traces. Such structures are seen in compressed folding areas which show anticlinorium and synclinorium characters. Folding Structure and Design of Folding Types: Considerably thick flysch, layers of sand – clay, limestone having settled in Jura-Cretaceous periods are present on discordantly on the Cretaceous ofiyolits in the base of the valley. Sediments collected in maritime facials have gradual structures forming Jura type folding (Atalay 1982: 17). These clusters extending from north to south under the effect of compression tectonic and rising up to the sea surface by bending and folding caused anticlinal and synclinal. This folding and bending structure was carved nearly 1000 m and eroded along sheds. Therefore, height of anticlinal became lower than synclinal on valley sides. In other words, anticlinals and synclinals gained a contrast appearance, which is called Inversion of Relief in geology. It is possible to see the effect of erosion process on the formation area considering erosion process in Neotectonic period (Miocene-Quaternary). Inversion of Relief can be seen more clearly in the south southeast part of the valley (Mt. Akdağ). Folding types seen mostly with the effect of compressed tectonic in anticlinorium and synclinorium structures of maritime originated layers are symmetrical, asymmetrical, isoclinals, horizontal, conic, zigzagged (an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions) and irregular (Photo 1. C-D). Plates taking place in the sides of valley shows different thickness. Plate series from 1 cm up to 1 m exhibits horizontal clusters. Plates have textures with the same sizes and are regular and homogenous. Up and lower plains of plates developed parallel to the sedimentation surface. Such regular and close stratigraphic structure is very interesting. A rough surface design is seen on sides eroded differently. Relief is just like a relief map. Vertical layers are seen as pyramidal hills. Layer heads on western part of anticlinal deepened by stream formed shapes like questa and hogbacks, which are seen in monoclinal tectonic structures. These extensions can sometimes cause human silhouettes when the angle of sun is suitable. Tortum Landslide Barrier Lake: The lake was formed by a mass of 180 to 223 million m³ coming from Kemerli Mount (2770 m) and closing Tortum Valley (Lahn 1939; 4: Atalay 1979-1980; 58: Atalay 1988: 22: Duman 2009; 68). The lake is the largest barrier lake of Turkey (Photo 1. E). Its drainage area is 1820 km² (Duman 2009: 66). Surface area of the lake 5 is 5.5 km² and it expands 500 to 1000 m² after snow melt. Depth of the lake varies from 90 to 95 m (Atalay 1979–1980) and elevation of water surface is 1010 m (Atalay 1979–1980: 58). A power plant is run using lake water. The most important problem of Lake Tortum is siltation. Creek carries about 2.5 million m³ alluvia to the lake (Atalay 1979-1980: 58). A large siltation delta has been formed at the beginning point of the lake. Thin materials carried cause dam reservoirs to get narrower and complete their economic life (Güresinli 1978; 51). Siltation delta which is clear in summer can be seen as an example showing the extents of erosion in a natural area. a green area was formed by rooted plants carried away by flood. There are some small – large lakes on the landslide material near Ulubağ village. The area called Seven Lakes is in Ulubağ village. These lakes add recreational potentials to the area. Tortum Waterfalls: It is in Çağlayanlı village, Uzundere and among the highest waterfalls of Turkey (Photo 1. F). Water is collected behind barrier and flows over it and form waterfall. Water flows through slope break 2 km north east of landslide barrier and falls 48.5 m from surface (1.5 m) into a shallow pit (1.5 m) and runs into Hatka stream after that it reaches its old valley to Çoruh. Drowned Bay and Sides: Water collected behind landslide barrier drowned bays and sides where soil is composed of flysch, sand and clay. Plates seem to rise above water (Photo 1. G). Sharp Ridges, Badlands Surfaces and Fairy Chimneys: Sub – branches and floods caused erosion in unresisting soil composed of marl, flish and limestone and formed gully type crevice on sides. Considerably sharp ridges between crevices, which form watersheds, are attracting attention. Collections of shapes unique to badlands are seen on clay limestone. The most important of them is fairy chimney without cap (Photo 1. H). Some of them are 15 to 20 m. Plates with Pyramidal Heads: water infiltrating into the gaps between flysch and plates composed of sandy – clay limestone increases the separation speed and plates are eroded. There are plates with pyramidal heads and oxidized yellow and reddish plate surfaces in the picture (Photo 2. A-B). Reflection of sunlight in red from stones is very charming. Colourful Organogenic Clusters and Pillow Lava: Series with ophiolites were formed by expanding of basic and ultra-basic magma at the bottom of sea in geosynclinals zones beginning from Mesozoic onwards. Silicon content of magma was solved in sea water and skeletons of living things in the sea caused green – red and bluish radiolarian sediments (Photo 2. C-D). These sediments were removed by the embarkation, being pushedembarkation type movements during Alp orogenic movements together with other sediments and ophiolitic schist under sea (Atalay 1982; 18-19). Typical colourful mostras in the north and northeast parts of the valley are good examples. Pillow type lava, which was caused by basic and ultra-basic lava expanding at the bottom of sea in Upper Cretaceous in Kaledibi Village and Yusufeli crossroad, showed mostra after Tortum Creek carved the terrain (Photo 2. E). This condition is especially important for millions – year old submarine volcanic activity to be seen. Other natural formations worth seeing are agglomeratic formation and floating islands in Zök Lake (Bulut et al. 2008: 226). Bride Rock and Dayks: A large area in East Anatolia Region was exposed to volcanic activity between Miocene and Quaternary (Yılmaz 1985: 79). Prevalent schist of surface 6 volcanism in the upper part of the watershed is basalt with greyish black colour, tinny grain and gaseous holes. Hot liquid basic lava coming through fissures covered and hid broken topography and placed on Oligocene-Miocene sediments with discordance. Cornices are seen along the Valley like a wall. Other prevalent volcanic products in the area are agglomerate and tufa (Acar 1975; 34). Some parts of agglomerates have taken interesting shapes due to erosion. Local people call these structures bride rock in a legendary manner. There is such a formation in the east of Tortum district centre. Inner eruptive magmas following fissures were cooled before reaching surface and formed plutonic structures such as sill and dayks. After the erosion of soil surrounding them, they remained in their places and since they are stiffer. Such kinds of plutonic shapes show the forms of fissures they filled and exhibit different colour and structure from the surface. These interesting structures can be seen in especially the road constructions. Figure 2. Physical map of Tortum Lake and Tortum valley its surrounding. 7 Zökün Lake and Floating Islands: There are six floating islands in the lake of Zökün, formed on an old landslide unit between ısohypse of 1890 - 1900 m in the east of Tortum (Photo 2. F). This landslide lake is a small lake with a length of 71 m and a wide of 38 m. Floating islands have been formed by root cages of deep rooted plants such as grass and canes near swamps and lakes filled with sand, clay, silt and organic elements. Since the blocks are composed of organic materials in the rate of 60 – 70 %, they can float in the water. Leaves of canes can serve as sail; these blocks can move even with a slight wind (Bulut et al 2008; 226229). The area where the lake and the islands are present can not be reached easily and people who want to see there have to walk 500 to 600 m. In addition to the points mentioned above, activities directly and indirectly based on water (sailing, water ski, fishing and rafting and picnicking and camping) and recreational activities are very common (Orhan, 2008; 66-72). SWOT Analysis Characteristics of the area have been evaluated in order to introduce its potentials for being a geo-park and geo-tourism by reviewing previous studies (Orhan 2008: 134-137). Characteristics of the area are presented as follows dividing them according to the method. Strengths 1. Location of Tortum Valley on Erzurum – Artvin state highway passing through a corridor, which solves transportation problems of the area, 2. Existence of significant areas such as the Mountains of Mescit, Kaçkar, Karçal and Yalnızçam in the area for alpinism enthusiasts to visit due to closeness of the area to the fourth glaciers on high mountains, 3. Large surface area of untouched natural areas, 4. The fact that the area exhibits outdoor laboratory characteristics with its geologic, geomorphologic and hydrographical structures, 5. Existence of Tortum Waterfall, which is among the highest waterfalls in Turkey and the world, 6. The fact that the area includes the points where distinctive scenes can be experienced, 7. The fact that the area harbours unique examples for excursions with educational and scientific purposes, 8. Existence of unique vegetation layers which can be seen clearly; plant diversity (species from Phyto – geographic regions of Euro – Siberian, Irano – Turanian and Mediterranean); and endemic plant species, 9. Existence of suitable trekking, horse riding and camping areas, 10. Closeness to Çoruh River, one of the most important rafting centres, 11. Closeness to Atatürk University, which is a regional university, which can provide data base and consultancy, 12. Closeness to Palandoken Winter Tourism Centre equipped with a strong infrastructure due to UNIVERSIADE (World University Games or World Student Games), 13. Lying on three important bird migration routes in Turkey 14. Closeness to Çayırtepe – Kösemehmet (Erzurum) wetland, which is an important wetland where 375 bird species inhabit. 15. Rich potentials for religion and culture tourism (Öşvank Church, Ağcakale and other values) 16. Potentials for recreational activities based on water 8 17. Areas with the potentials of photo - and jeep safari, 18. Sparse population density 19. Diversity in local food, dishes and crafts 20. Friendly and tolerant native people. Opportunities 1. High potentials of alternative tourism types and different ecotourism activities 2. 2011 Winter Universiade to be held in Erzurum, 3. Willingness of native people for taking part in ecotourism activities 4. Cultural and natural tissue of the area which can be made suitable with conservation and restoration, 5. Plantation and Rehabilitation of Çoruh Valley Project being conducted by Ministry of Environment and Forestry granted by Japanese Government costing 25 Billion Euros 6. Continuing Tourism Development in East Anatolia Project, DATUR, 7. Panel called Sultansekisi (to be) held by ER-VAK and Uzundere Municipality on 4 July 2010 with the participation of Ertuğrul Günay, Minister of Tourism at Tortum Waterfall, 8. Financial supports granted by Northeast Anatolia Development Agency and Rural Development Agency for tourism 9. Nearly finished partial works on Erzurum – Uzundere highway, 10. Studies, surveys and excursion activities conducted by Atatürk University on ecotourism. Weakness 1. The fact that the area has not yet been defined as geo-park and does not have a conservation statue, 2. Irregular regime of water flowing from Tortum waterfall 3. Property rights of Tortum waterfall belongs to a person, 4. The area’s lacking of advertisement and marketing for ecotourism 5. Underdeveloped touristic service sector. Threats 1. Harms from soil erosion to natural environment, floods, landslides and sedimentation in Tortum lake, 2. Long winters, 3. Presence of some parts on Erzurum – Artvin state highway, where there is the possibility of rock falling in the direction of Tortum Dam and Ulubağ village, 4. Landslide risk, 5. Erosion liability of the lithology, 6. Environmental pollution (lake sedimentation, sewage discharge, waste disposal to Tortum creek and other streams) 7. Risk of the deterioration in nature due to unplanned and excessive ecotourism activities 9 Photo 1. Characteristics offering visual values in Tortum valley proposed to be geo-park; A-B. Tortum Creek and Gorge Valley, C – D. Folding structure and designs of folding types. E. Tortum landslide barrier lake, F. Tortum Waterfall, G. Suffocated bay and hillsides, H. Badland surfaces and fairy chimney. 10 Photo 2. Characteristics offering visual values in Tortum valley proposed to be geo-park; A – B. Pyramidal hill and peaks, C – D. Colourful organogenesis (Radiolarian) clusters, E. Pillow lavas, F. Zökün Lake and Floating islands. 11 Conclusion Tortum Creek Watershed is an area candidate for being a geo-park. This area exhibits rich geologic, geomorphologic and hydrologic characteristics having natural visual value. This study was carried out to draw a different perspective in order to use the concept of geo-park for the diversification of tourism types in the region by combining the geologic, geomorphologic and hydrographical structures with the synergy for economic development. The concepts of “geo-park” and “geologic heritage” have been introduced to public agenda in order to provide possible supports from regional development agency, Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (Turkish acronym KUDAKA); Atatürk University; Rural Development Agency; a continuing project, DATUR; and Ministry Tourism for the advertisement of the area for alternative tourism purposes. A project called Development of Tourism in East Anatolia (DATUR) has already been trying for three years to determine ecotourism characteristics of Tortum Creek Watershed with the coordination of UNDP and Turkish State Ministry of Tourism and efforts are currently being spent on the detection of trekking routes, bird watching points, suitable areas for botanic tourism, butterfly watching, wild fruits and recreational potentials based on water to offer these values for the use of tourism. These kinds of studies are important to improve economic condition based on rural tourism and create an effective strategic tourism model. Acknowledgement Special thanks to Cüneyt Oğuztüzün, photographer of Atlas Magazine, for providing visual materials (Photo 1. A, B, C, D, E, F and Photo 2. A, B, C, D). References Acar, A., (1975). A study on the geology and geomorphology of Tortum and its proximity. Atatürk University, Pub. No: 317, Erzurum. Atalay, İ., (2002). Ecological Regions of Turkey. T. S. 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