Effects of Climate Change on the Soil Erosion Risk in Alpine Areas

Abstract

Soil erosion is of primary importance in mountains. The main research methodologies focus on erosion in an agricultural context or in hilly areas with a mild climate. Therefore their application in mountain areas with their extreme complexity is not straightforward. This article discusses the result of a study which has used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to predict future soil erosion risk in the Alps. Key words: Alps, climate change, erosion, RUSLEJRC.H.7-Land management and natural hazard