Dynamics of gullies formation in the Selenga middle mountains (on the basis of historic-cartographic data)

Abstract

Accelerated fluvial erosion is pronounced locally around the Baikal Lake, in a relatively small Kuitunka drainage basin in particular. The area in question is covered with loess-like deposits. The comparison of cartographic materials of different years (including topographic maps of 1911 and 1973 years and a land use map of 1934 yr) permitted to estimate the gullies formation dynamics and to describe some special features of the erosion in the area. The gullies development appeared to change considerably in the course of time. At present the gullies' density tends to increase due to inception of new gullies and reactivation of old ones.