Analysis of water erosion processes using terrestrial laser scanning

Abstract

The paper presents the preliminary results of the analyses of soil water erosion processes occurring in forestry mountain catchment area in the West Sudetes Mountains (Poland). The research was carried out within the area of skid trails, which were used until the end of 2010 in obtaining timber and its mechanical transport to the place of storage (logging). As a consequence of the forestry work the surface layer of soil on the wooded slopes was changed, which combined with the unfavourable hydro-meteorological conditions contributed to the intensification of water erosion processes. Innovative in erosion analyses was using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). It enabled the analyses of the dynamics of erosion processes both in time, and in spatial terms. The aim of the analyses was to identify areas of erosion and accumulation of the material, as well as to determine the intensity of the erosion processes and their quantitative examination. The research project focuses human impact on a forest ecosystem caused by the artificial delimitation of traffic routes and its influence on the natural balance of environmental conditions as well as contribution to significant intensification of soil erosion processes.