Intensity of gully erosion in arid zone of Azerbaijan republic (by the example of the region of the Mingechaur water reservoir)

Abstract

The growth and development of gullies in the basin of the Mingechaur water reservoir, which is located in the arid zone, were studied for the first time. Soil resistance to erosion by rain water was revealed. The first experimental works on filling funnel holes and gullies were performed. Quantitative and qualitative parameters of the gully network were received. Gully erosion is spread over the entire basin area. A dissection equal to 2.0–7.0 km/km² or greater is seen in 68.3% of the area. The gully density is also high and may rise to 15.6 gullies/km² in places. The mean annual growth of gullies is 0.34–7.48 m in length, 0.20–2.48 m in width and 0.10–1.16 m in depth. The rate of gully development depends on the catchment area.