Abstract
Abstract. In Hungary, wind erosion is one of the most serious natural hazards. Spatial and temporal variation in the factors that determine the location and intensity of wind erosion damage are not well known, nor are the regional and local sensitivities to erosion. Because of methodological challenges, no multi-factor, regional wind erosion sensitivity map is available for Hungary. The aim of this study was to develop a method to estimate the regional differences in wind erosion sensitivity and exposure in Hungary. Wind erosion sensitivity was modelled using the key factors of soil sensitivity, vegetation cover and wind erodibility as proxies. These factors were first estimated separately by factor sensitivity maps and later combined by fuzzy logic into a regional-scale wind erosion sensitivity map. Large areas were evaluated by using publicly available data sets of remotely sensed vegetation information, soil maps and meteorological data on wind speed. The resulting estimates were verified by field studies and examining the economic losses from wind erosion as compensated by the state insurance company. The spatial resolution of the resulting sensitivity map is suitable for regional applications, as identifying sensitive areas is the foundation for diverse land development control measures and implementing management activities.
Highlights
One of the most serious natural hazards in the Carpathian Basin, resulting from land use practices, is wind erosion on arable lands
According to the “Map of potential wind erosion of Hungary” by Lóczy et al (2012), 26.5 % of Hungary is affected strongly or moderately by wind erosion, where the critical wind speed of erosive winds is lower than 8.5 m s−1. They find that in 17.1 % of the country, where sand and loamy sandy soils cover the surface and the critical friction velocity is lower than 6.5 m s−1, the effects of wind erosion are high, approximately 9.4 % of the country is moderately affected, where sandy loam soils occur and the critical friction velocity is 6.5–8.5 m s−1
The contributing factors were modelled based on available or modified data using a sensitivity indicator approach
Summary
One of the most serious natural hazards in the Carpathian Basin, resulting from land use practices, is wind erosion on arable lands. According to the “Map of potential wind erosion of Hungary” by Lóczy et al (2012), 26.5 % of Hungary is affected strongly or moderately by wind erosion, where the critical wind speed of erosive winds is lower than 8.5 m s−1 They find that in 17.1 % of the country, where sand and loamy sandy soils cover the surface and the critical friction velocity is lower than 6.5 m s−1, the effects of wind erosion are high, approximately 9.4 % of the country is moderately affected, where sandy loam soils occur and the critical friction velocity is 6.5–8.5 m s−1. This map is based only on soil texture class and critical wind speed, whereas other factors are neglected. This map does not provide a full picture of the hazard
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