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ISSN 2070-7401 (Print), ISSN 2411-0280 (Online)
Sovremennye problemy distantsionnogo zondirovaniya Zemli iz kosmosa
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN REMOTE SENSING OF THE EARTH FROM SPACE

  

Sovremennye problemy distantsionnogo zondirovaniya Zemli iz kosmosa, 2026, V. 23, No. 4, pp. 215-226

Simulation of water erosion processes in high mountain terrains based on the RUSLE model

F.V. Vinogradov 1 , D.K. Alexeev 1 , L.E. Dmitricheva 1 
1 Russian State Hydrometeorological University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Accepted: 21.05.2026
DOI: 10.21046/2070-7401-2026-23-4-215-226
The aim of this study is to assess annual soil loss within the Prielbrusye National Park. To investigate the main factors contributing to erosion phenomena, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), adapted to the physical-geographical features of the region and based on remote sensing data, was used. For the first time, the spatial distribution of erodibility within the study area was obtained using geoinformation modeling. The results of the study can be used for scientific substantiation of agricultural land distribution, taking into account the rational load on the territory. The analysis considered exclusively natural erosion factors. Average annual soil loss from water erosion was determined taking into account precipitation and snowmelt. The average erosion rate is 6.81 t•ha–1•yr-1, with areas of slight erosion (<5 t•ha-1•yr-1) covering 37 %, moderate erosion (5–15 t•ha-1•yr-1) covering 26 %, and very severe erosion (>50 t•ha-1•yr-1) covering about 20 % of the area. Further empirical research is needed to standardize factors suitable for local conditions. Erosion rates at elevations exceeding 3000 m reach their highest values, likely due to the specific characteristics of high mountain soils and extreme environmental conditions. When calculating potential erosion at such altitudes, specialized methods adapted for high mountain regions should be used.
Keywords: soil erosion, climate change, empirical model, mountainous regions, sustainability, Caucasus
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