WATER EROSION ASSESSMENT IN SKIATHOS ISLAND USING THE GAVRILOVIC METHOD

Abstract

This project deals with the application of the Gavrilovic method simulating the erosion processes in small catchments. The study area is Skiathos, a Greek island, which is situated in the region of Thessaly and belongs to the "Northern Sporades" complex. Skiathos is characterized by intensive touristic activities and has historical and environmental interests. The purpose of this study is to apply the Gavrilovic method so as to determine erosion in Skiathos, providing quantitative data The Gavrilovic method takes into account several factors like geology, geomorphology, soil, climatic condition (temperature and rainfall), and land-uses according to Corine 2000. The method finally computes the erosion in terms of volume per year W [m(3)/y] and volume per year and area W/F [m(3)/y/km(2)] for each one of the studied catchments. It was found, for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th order sub-catchments, the mean values of W were equal to 66.76 m(3)/y, 226.99 m(3)/y, and 624.89 m(3)/y, respectively. More detailed information is the computation of the ratio W/F. For the 2nd, 3rd and 4th order sub-catchments, the values of 229.383 m(3)/y/km(2), 195.085 m(3)/y/km(2) and 158.571 m(3)/y/km(2) were found, respectively. Although the magnitude of W is greater in the high order sub-catchments, the ratio W/F is greater in the low order catchments, meaning that the erosion processes are more intense in the low order sub-catchments. These results are compared with other similar areas of the Aegean Sea. Further research could contain more detailed comparison with other areas of the Mediterranean, application of other similar erosion models and erosion monitoring programs.