Soğuksu Nature Park

This article is about the nature park in Kars Province. For the national park in Ankara Province, see Soğuksu National Park.

Soğuksu Nature Park
Soğuksu Tabiat Parkı
Soğuksu Nature Park
Location	Sarıkamış, Kars Province, Turkey
Nearest city	Sarıkamış
Coordinates	40°18′36″N 42°38′05″E
Area	11 ha (27 acres)
Established	2011
Governing body	Ministry of Forest and Water Management

Soğuksu Nature Park (Turkish: Soğuksu Tabiat Parkı), established in 2011, is a nature park in Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. It is located 53 km (33 mi) far from Kars and 3 km (1.9 mi) to Sarıkamış.

The nature park covers an area of 11 ha (27 acres) at 2,121–2,152 m (6,959–7,060 ft) above main sea level.

Geology

The area in and around of the nature park consists of basalt and dolomite rocks of Tertiary and Quaternary periods. Additionally, tuff, conglomerate and breccia are present.

Flora

The nature park features forest stand of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). In the areas between the forest stands, quaking aspen (Populus tremula) grow. Othercommon plants are rose hip and buttercup (Ranunculus acris).

Climate

The climate in the park shows characteristics of harsh continental climate. Long lasting winters are snowy, frostyand very cold. In winter time, more precipitation falls than in the summer period. The highest precipitation occurs just before the summer begins.