Summary:
The aim of the present master’s thesis is to study and estimate the soil erosion assessment in the island complex of Santorini using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The main focus of this thesis is the application of the RUSLE method, which is the Revised
Global Soil Loss Equation and takes into account variable parameters, such as rainfall,
lithology, anaglyph, land uses and anti-corrosion measures.
It is based on the calculation of five factors, which are the Rainfall Erosivity Factor (R), the
Soil Erodibility Factor (K), the Slope Length and Steepness Factor (LS), the Cover and
Management Factor (C) and the Support and Conservation Practices Factor (P). The
calculation of the individual factors in the present thesis is based mainly on bibliographic
data. Each factor is quantified and rated, depending on how much it affects the erosion
processes.
Finally, with the application of the RUSLE method, a map is created which presents the
spatial distribution of the mean soil loss in the island complex of Santorini. Moreover, the
degree of erosion risk is evaluated, in order to prevent and manage the phenomenon on the island. At the same time, proposals are presented which aim at repairing the areas affected by erosion.
Keywords:
Soil Erosion, RUSLE Method, Geographic Information Systems, Island Complex of Santorini
