Condicionantes ambientales de la erosión hídrica en el sector septentrional de la Sierra de la Contraviesa (Granada)

Resumen

In the study area, which is representative of a large part of the south-eastern Iberian peninsula, environmental factors attain special importance in erosive processes. Such factors include the great intensity of precipitations and their irregular distribution in space and time, with values of 100-150 mm in 24 hours for a return period of 10 years. Furthermore, the geological substrate is often impermeable, subject to erosion and associated with a high degree of deforestation. Additionally, agricultural practices in the region are frequently conducive to water erosion. Finally, we should note the effects of the extremely abrupt topography, with slopes exceeding 40%, which contributes to the phenomenon of highly erosive runoff. After analyzing the above- mentioned variables, we discuss the specific practice and forms of intervention adopted by the Administration to minimize the risks of water erosion in the area; these mainly consist of replanting and small civil engineering projects.