Using radiotracers 137Cs and 210Pbex to document climate change in mountain areas through the estimate of soil erosion rates

Abstract

Abstract. During the last few decades, a general increase in heavy rainfall events has been documented in many areas of the world. These events have caused changes in soil erosion rates and strongly affected the human activities in mountain areas by reducing the national income obtained from cultivated land. In this context, the use of fallout radiotracers can be an important tool for better understanding the consequences of climate change in these areas and proposing effective countermeasures in order to reduce soil loss. In this contribution, plot experiments carried out in southern Italy that involve the use of 137Cs and 210Pbex measurements were performed to estimate soil erosion rates during the last few decades. The overall results indicate an increase in soil erosion rates during the last 15–20 years and suggest the use of this technique to detect climate change in mountain areas.