Assessment of Gull Erosion Risks Using Geographic Information Systems in the Nadosht Region – Northern Iraq

Abstract

Gull erosion is one of the most serious forms of soil degradation affecting many agricultural and rural areas worldwide. This phenomenon occurs when surface water runoff is concentrated in narrow, deep channels that rapidly erode the land surface, creating gullies that widen and deepen over time. This leads to the loss of a significant portion of fertile topsoil and the degradation of agricultural land. This type of erosion is a major contributor to desertification and ecosystem degradation, particularly in areas with harsh climatic conditions or unstable geological and hydrological structures.

Gull erosion risks are linked to several interconnected natural and human factors. Naturally, the risk of gully erosion increases in areas with steep topographical slopes, where the concentration and velocity of surface runoff are higher, thus enhancing the water's erosive power. Additionally, soil type plays a significant role; loose sandy or clay soils are more susceptible to erosion than heavy clay soils, which possess greater cohesion (Lal, 1998). Rainfall patterns also influence the intensity of this phenomenon; heavy, intermittent rainfall promotes strong surface runoff capable of forming gullies.