Human-induced impacts and erosion dynamics in western Tunisia

von Fridhi Abdessalem

128 Seiten, Taschenbuch

Kurzbeschreibung des Verlags

Situated on the border between the Dorsale and the Tunisian High Steppes, the lower catchment of the Oued Htab is characterised by heavy and irregular rainfall, with an annual average of 276 mm (1958-2008). This has an impact on the flow regime. The topographical contrast and the prevalence of relatively steep slopes, together with the elongated shape of this catchment (compactness index 1.45), favour the relatively rapid concentration of surface runoff. Quantification of land use within the catchment has revealed the role of human activity in exacerbating the erosion crisis. Through human interventions and agricultural practices - particularly the clearing of natural vegetation, repeated ploughing, overgrazing and the lack of appropriate land management - humans have significantly altered the rural landscape. Consequently, the Alfatière grassland lost 58.6 per cent of its area between 1954 and 2000. Similarly, the forest retained only 55 per cent of its original area during the same period. The clearing and thinning of the forest have undoubtedly contributed to the intensification of water erosion in the region.

• Themen: Geowissenschaften, Geographie, Umwelt, Planung Geographie
• ISBN: 9786630342062
• Sprache: Englisch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 28.09.2026
• Größe: 220 x 150 mm
• Verlag: Our Knowledge Publishing