Water and Wind Erosion Risk in Natural Parks –A Case Study in “Las Batuecas– Sierra de Francia” and “Quilamas” Protected Parks (Central System, Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents a mapping procedure for risk mapping of water and wind erosion, whichhelps to identify protective measures needed in the planning and management of natural parks. The map of water erosion risk was developed by combining the original and revised universal soil loss equation methodologies (USLE-RUSLE), and the map of wind erosion risk was developed using Quirantes’ method. Using GIS techniques allows parametric characterisation of the factors involved in the processes of soil degradation. The validation procedure was carried out in two natural parks in the Spanish Central System. Integration of the two maps resulted in a risk map of water and wind erosion. This mapping shows a high risk of water erosion in areas of high slopes and elevations with little agricultural activity and undulating reliefs. The risk of wind erosion is lower in sectors with analytical and textural high erodibility and low vegetation cover.