Extent, distribution and patterns of gully erosion in lower Shiwaliks of Punjab, India.

摘要

Vast tracts of land in lower Shiwaliks of Punjab are dissected by gullies forming a huge network of channels in the catchments. The gully erosion control structures installed in the region get damaged physically or are silted up on the upstream side due within a short period of their installation. A study was initiated in the region to assess the extent, distribution and patterns of gully erosion so as to be able to frame suitable gully management strategies in the region. Gully density varied in the region from 3.5 to 80 km km^-2, whereas gully texture ranged from 157 to 4966 first-ordered gullies km^-2. Majority of the gullies were comprised of first-ordered gullies both on the basis of gully length (56-75%) and gully number (73-77%), followed by second and third ordered gullies. The gullies were more concentrated on the slopes facing south and south-western directions.