Dynamics of Erosion Processes in Steppe Landscapes Caused by Agricultural and Oil Production

Abstract

The article shows the impact of oil field objects on the dynamics of linear erosion in steppe agricultural landscapes. Oil extraction in the steppe regions is associated with a multi-sided impact on agricultural production, revitalizing the development/multiplication of erosion processes, which contributes to the withdrawal of productive land from agricultural circulation. The key area of the study is a 10 × 10 km2 area located in the Orenburg oblast, which is part of the Volga-Ural oil and gas region. Digitization, mapping, and classification of objects of the erosion network for three-time sections—1985, 2000, 2019 were carried out. All elements of the erosion network available at the research site are classified, and the density values of their spatial distribution are analyzed. The assessment of the degree of activity of erosion processes is made, the main directions of erosion activity are highlighted. It was found that before the introduction of oil-producing infrastructure on the landscape, most of the study area was characterized by a low and very low degree of erosion activity. The activation of anthropogenic activities in the oil field initiated new and strengthened the current erosion processes associated with the impact of agricultural production. Over the course of the field's in-service life, there has been a steady increase in the total length of the erosional network objects. Agricultural land located in the zone of influence of the oil field is subject to an increased risk of erosion processes.