Spatiotemporal features of soil and water loss in Three Gorges Reservoir Area of Chongqing

Abstract

Soil and water loss has been the most serious eco-environmental problem in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of Chongqing. In this paper the authors studied the spatiotemporal features of soil and water loss from 1999 to 2004 based on RS and GIS techniques. The results showed that: (1) The soil and water loss area decreased from 1999 to 2004. (2) Soil and water loss mainly exists in purple soil, yellow soil, limestone soil, paddy soil and yellow brown soil distributed areas. (3) The dry slope land and sparse woodland that are intensively influenced by human activities experienced most serious soil and water loss. (4) Soil and water loss in the study area indicated an obvious vertical differentiation characteristic. (5) There is a significant correlation between soil and water loss and slope. (6) There is no obvious correlation between soil and water loss and aspect. (7) Soil and water loss mainly exists in the values of R between 300 and 340 distribution area. The very-high soil and water loss has obvious correlation with R.