Gully Erosion analysis. Why geopedology matters?

Abstract

Gully erosion dynamics is a complex phenomenon, usually man-induced, which cannot be described nor predicted using conventional soil erosion models such as USLE or similar. In the early 1980s it was stated that gully initiation and growth could be studied from a purely empirical perspective, because no deductive approach could serve the purpose. In this chapter, this premise is used to briefly summarize how gully erosion research has developed, what were the major achievements in the conceptual and methodological dimensions, and which may be potential courses of action for further research, with emphasis on the contribution of geopedology. Despite the advancements in the development of models and in RS and GIS techniques, gully erosion still remains a complex issue difficult to model and predict. In this sense, geopedology may play a role in its understanding and management. As other geomorphic processes, gullies occur in certain terrain, soil, and hydrology conditions which may be conveniently approached from a geopedologic perspective.