Una valutazione dell'erosione nel bacino idrografico del Torrente Arcidiaconata in Basilicata

An evaluation of soil erosion in the hydrographic basin of the Arcidiaconata River in Basilicata (South Italy)

Abstract

This paper reports the results of research carried out in the hydrographic basin of the Arcidiaconata River in Basilicata (Southern Italy). The aim of the research is to provide a quantitative evaluation of soil erosion. Therefore, a series of thematic maps have been made concerning geology, land use, climate, shape and development of the hydrographic network, and gradient of channel slope, thus obtaining a very detailed description of the characteristics of the basin. A second phase of the study concerns the mapping of the erosion index, drawn up with the method suggested by CICCACCI, FREUL & LUIGIA PALMIERI (1977). The suspended sediment yield (ton/km²) has been chosen as the index of erosion; this index has been related to the main geomorphic parameters. Through linear and multiple regression analysis, six equations have been obtained, among which the equation with the highest index of determination has been selected. The potential suspended sediment of each partial basin higher than first order has been evaluated. Although the calculated index only expresses one aspect of several erosive processes, the chosen index nevertheless seems to be the only parameter able to provide indications of a quantitative nature. The final map can represent a real auxiliary instrument for territorial planning and can represent the basis for further studies of applied geomorphology.