Risk maps for gully erosion processes affecting archaeological sites in Moldavia, Romania

摘要

Most of the archaeological sites in Moldavia are situated on hill borders, at the contact with lower landform units. This is why most archaeological sites are affected by the erosion of slopes, mostly the one caused by gully erosion. In order to realize the topographical measurements of the Cucuteni gully, LEICA TCR 1201 Total Station has been used. Together with LEICA GPS 1200, this station is part of SYSTEM 1200 LEICA. In order to start the measurements, the coordinates of the ground control points were obtained from ANCPI Iasi. For data adequacy assessment, we also used the 3D Scanner measurements (6 mm/6 mm resolution). The differences between the two measurements are insignificant, which proves that the Total Station can be used with success at any time. The only shortcoming is that it takes more time and, at the same time, it is very difficult to get on very steep slopes. The Cucuteni gully registers a very fast evolution, as there is an ever growing intensity of pouring rains. The measurements carried on during 2008-2010 have shown that, if there are precipitations under 580 mm, the gully has a slow evolution. If the precipitations exceed this value, there is a very fast evolution - by 5-10 m/year. Given this advancement, a part of the archaeological site, belonging to the Cucuteni culture (Chalcolithic), was destroyed and risks complete disappearance in a couple of years. This is the reason why protection measures ought to be taken with no delay.