Dissection of topography as an index of erosion rate (a case study of northern and eastern regions of European Russia)

Abstract

Cartometric measurements of depth and density of dissection revealed differentiation in the dissection character and intensity between main orographic elements of northern and eastern European Russia. Specific features of the dissection pattern have been linked to geology, elevation, history of development and degree of agricultural cultivation. An erosional hazard has been estimated from the relief's morphometric indices, which is important in particular for regions with insufficient observation data on erosion.