Gully erosion in the Fore-Volga region of Nizhny Novgorod district

Abstract

The article deals with spatial and temporal variability of gully erosion within the region. On the basis of large-scale aerial data the density of gully network was determined and zoning of territory by this characteristic was fulfilled. Conjunctions of spatial differentiation of gully network with tilling degree, amount of woodland, relief, surface rocks were determined. The area dynamics of arable land and woodland during last four centuries was analyzed and these data were juxtaposed with gully network dynamics. Aerial data with 40 years lag show the distinct degressive trend of gully erosion in the second half of the XX century; the cause of this phenomenon is described.