Gis application in analysis of erosion intensity in the Vlasina River Basin

Abstract

This paper analyses the state of erosion intensity in the Vlasina River Basin, the right tributary of the Juzna Morava River. To determine the erosion intensity (Z) and sediment production, the Gavrilovic method was used, in combination with the bare-soil index (BSI), with the application of geographic information systems (GIS) and multispectral satellite imagery. An erosion coefficient of 0.31 has been identified in the territory of the Vlasina River Basin, which has an area of 1,061.72 km?. The prominent vertical fragmentation of the relief, large amount of precipitation in the source parts, density of the river network (1.65 km/km2), which is above the average river network density in Serbia, as well as inadequate land exploitation, are the main reasons why it is necessary to monitor the erosion intensity in the Vlasina River Basin. The annual production of the sediment is 462,496.30 m?, while the value of specific sediment production is 435,47 m?/km?/year. This study represents the attempt to apply modern technologies to d1etermine the intensity of erosion in the Vlasina River Basin, and the results obtained could be used for more adequate management of land and water resources, sustainable planning of the forest ecosystems and environmental protection.