Erosion processes on a semiarid climatic area of the Ebro Depression (Bardenas Reales, NE Spain)

Abstract

Some different erosion processes take place on the Bardenas Reales erosive depression: rilling, gullying, piping, mudslides, and armored mud balls.. The major or minor development of these processes is related with climatic conditions and physico-chemical characteristics of the materials. Precipitation distribution along the year conditions the presence of mudslides or armored mud balls. Physico-chemical conditions favour the formation of gullying and rilling. Other factors, such as slope, expedite runoff infiltration (needed for piping) and the slide of mudslides.