Characteristics and Projection of Rainfall Erosivity Distribution in the Hengduan Mountains

Xinlan Liang, Lei Zhang, Shuqin He, Ke Song and Zicheng Zheng ()
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Xinlan Liang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Lei Zhang: College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Shuqin He: College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Ke Song: College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China
Zicheng Zheng: College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: This study examines the spatiotemporal variations of rainfall erosivity in the Hengduan Mountains, known for their rugged terrain and high potential for soil erosion risks, over the past 30 years. Additionally, it investigates the changing trends of rainfall erosivity between 2025 and 2040 under the Sustainable Development Pathway 2–4.5 (SSP2–4.5), using four Global Climate Models (GCMs) based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The results indicate: (1) The annual distribution of rainfall erosivity in the Hengduan Mountains exhibited significant seasonal variations, ranking in the order of summer > autumn > spring > winter on a seasonal scale. (2) Over the past 30 years, there has been a slight decrease in annual precipitation and a corresponding slight increase in rainfall erosivity. Periodic extreme values occur every 6–8 years. (3) Spatially, rainfall erosivity demonstrates a decreasing gradient from southeast to northwest. There is a significant positive correlation between rainfall erosivity and precipitation, while a significant negative correlation exists with elevation in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the northeastern part of the Hengduan Mountains exhibits an increasing trend of rainfall erosivity, while the southern region experiences a decreasing trend. (4) Considering the joint driving forces of increased precipitation and erosive rainfall events, rainfall erosivity is expected to significantly increase in the future, posing a more severe risk of soil erosion in this region.

Keywords: Hengduan mountains; rainfall erosivity; distribution; projection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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