Erosion on the plains of Eastern Europe

Abstract

Three zones have been distinguished on the plains of Eastern Europe based on suspended load and gully erosion: the north-western zone of weak erosion (rate of suspended load discharge averages to 5.6 t/km² year, gully density up to 200 m/km², channel erosion and sheet wash prevail), middle zone of intense erosion (44 t/km² year, gully density in excess of 200 m/km², sheet wash and gully erosion prevail), south-eastrn zone of weak erosion (8.1 t/km² year, less than 200 m/km²). Natural and anthropogenic factors are considered which account for the identified distinctions.