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Local Factors Controlling Gully Development in a Mediterranean Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno Martins

    (CEGOT (Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning), RISCOS, University of Coimbra, 3004-530 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Adélia Nunes

    (FLUC-Department of Geography and Tourism, RISCOS and CEGOT—Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, 3004-530 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Ana Meira-Castro

    (School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal)

  • Luciano Lourenço

    (FLUC-Department of Geography and Tourism, RISCOS and CEGOT—Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, 3004-530 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Carlos Hermenegildo

    (Faculty of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Universidade Lusófona do Porto, 4000-098 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Gullies contribute very efficiently to soil loss and degradation, particularly in Mediterranean environments. While natural factors are involved in gully formation and further development, anthropic action is almost always an element. Knowledge of formation and development factors are important if soil protection strategies and measures are to be effective. In this paper, we identify the most important factors in the development of gullies in a Mediterranean setting based on a study of the Alva gully (central Portugal). Its development in the last four years is examined, based on a study of the modification of its morphological characteristics. The analysis was based on principal component analysis (PCA) to estimate the correlation between the quantitative characteristics, geomorphological processes, and biophysical variables. The results show that the main factors that seem to control the spatial variation of soil erosion are the soil penetration resistance, slope, slope shape, and vegetation cover.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Martins & Adélia Nunes & Ana Meira-Castro & Luciano Lourenço & Carlos Hermenegildo, 2022. "Local Factors Controlling Gully Development in a Mediterranean Environment," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:2:p:204-:d:737016
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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Tomás Mozas-Calvache & Julio Antonio Calero González & Theo Guerra Dug & Tomas Manuel Fernández del Castillo, 2023. "Methodology for Determining Gully Widths in Multi-Temporal Studies in Olive Groves of Southern Spain," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-15, May.

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