Quantitative assessment of water erosion in the basins south of the Little Zab River using the Gavrilovic model (EPM) (Gavrilovic)

Abstract

Water erosion is a significant phenomenon in geomorphological research due to its rapid impact on landscape formation. It encompasses all movements of surface water, including precipitation and runoff. In mountainous environments, soil erosion poses a critical threat to natural resources, particularly soil, essential for food production and vegetation growth. Erosion diminishes soil productivity by degrading its chemical, physical, and organic properties. The extent of erosion by surface water is influenced by various factors such as soil type, soil management practices, characteristics of drainage basins, and soil texture. Numerous models have been created to predict soil erosion and deposition, with one of the most significant being the Gavrilovic model, also known as the Erosion Potential Method (EPM), named after its developer, Gavrilovic, in the 1950s. This model has seen recent application following advancements in information and technology, particularly with the integration of geographic information systems for layering and rate application. The EPM model is specifically designed for mountainous basins and areas prone to erosion. The study area is situated in the northeastern part of the Kurdistan region and Sulaymaniyah governorate, south of the Little Zab river, positioned between the Galala Basin and the Gom Valley. For instance, based on the Gavrilovic model, the area experiences severe erosion, ranking highest for flat erosion-prone zones. The erosion volume measures less than 50 cubic meters per square kilometer per year, placing it in the top position for erosion severity in the region.