Geospatial and visual modeling for exploring sediment source areas across the Sele river landscape, Italy

Abstract

This study uses the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information System technology to map erosion-prone areas in the Sele basin (Campania-Basilicata regions, southern Italy). Current land use/cover, soil erodibility and climate factors were evaluated to determine their effects on average annual soil loss. Geospatial technologies were applied to generate RUSLE factors and erosion map. Long-term soil losses were 53 Mg ha-1 per year averaged over an area of 2500 km2 and more than 30% of the Sele basin was subjected to soil losses higher than 20 Mg ha-1 per year. Data available in the study area allowed to estimate soil losses, but the absence of direct sediment measurements prevents an accurate evaluation of the model performance. Nevertheless, the results are similar to the ones from other studies, and provide useful preliminary information for landscape management and restoration.