Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the erosion risk caused by the change in land use/cover in Acısu Basin between 2000-2018. In the study where the RUSLE model was preferred, other parameters were kept constant, but the model was applied to the model twice separately with the land cover/use data of the relevant years and two independent erosion maps were created. With the study, how much soil is lost in Acısu Basin during the year, which regions are more exposed to erosion, and their distribution was classified and revealed. During the study, the data obtained from satellite images, topographic maps, and field observations were analyzed by GIS and IA methods. Kappa statistical test was used for the accuracy of the findings. It was determined that the most change in the direction of growth in the basin in the 18-year period from 2000 to 2018 was 17.08 km2 (3.35%) in grassland and pasture areas. On the other hand, it was determined that the highest change in the direction of the decrease occurred in plant change areas with a value of -23.05 km2 (4.49%). It is seen that the change in the surface cover of the study area in this time interval caused the expansion of very light, light, and moderate erosion areas. Due to this change in the land surface of Acısu Basin covering 18 years, it was determined that there was an increase in the annual total of 197 t ha-1 y-1 and an increase in the average soil loss amount of 49 t ha-1 y-1.

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