Global potential soil erosion with reference to land use and climate changes

TLDR

The study provides the first global overview of soil erosion potential across the past, present, and future. Using a GIS‑based RUSLE model, the authors analyze historical, current, and future cropland and climate scenarios to assess global soil erosion potential. Present global erosion averages 0.38 mm yr⁻¹, with Southeast Asia most affected; about 60 % is human‑induced, cropland expansion has raised erosion by ~17 % over the last century, and climate change could further amplify erosion, especially in regions where precipitation and population are rising. © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract A GIS‐based RUSLE model is employed to study the global soil erosion potential for viewing the present situation, analysing changes over the past century, and projecting future trends with reference to global changes in land use and climate. Scenarios considered in the study include historical, present and future conditions of cropland and climate. This research gives the first overview of the global situation of soil erosion potential considering the previous century as well as the present and future. Present soil erosion potential is estimated to be about 0·38 mm year −1 for the globe, with Southeast Asia found to be the most seriously affected region in the world. It is estimated that nearly 60% of present soil erosions are induced by human activity. With development of cropland in the last century, soil erosion potential is estimated to have increased by about 17%. Global warming might significantly increase the potential for soil erosion, and the regions with the same increasing trend of precipitation and population might face much more serious problems related to soil erosion in the future. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.