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Application of the revised universal soil loss equation model on landslide prevention. An example from N. Euboea (Evia) Island, Greece

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Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the application of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) on predicting of sites susceptible to slope failures caused by the soil erosion. It was carried out at the northern part of Euboea Island presenting one of the highest frequencies of landslide occurrence in Greece. All required datasets for the application of the RUSLE model were engaged to compile a potential soil erosion map of the study area. In addition, historical slope failure data were used to evaluate the produced map. Moreover, the frequency ratio statistical analysis was applied for the verification of the soil erosion map. The results showed a satisfactory agreement between the soil erosion intensity zones and distribution of landslides events. Therefore, the RUSLE model can be applied for the localization of sites susceptible to landslides that were prepared or triggered by the soil erosion. Finally, taking under consideration the contribution of erosion mechanisms over the landslides manifestation, a combination of measures were proposed for preventing and supporting these catastrophic phenomena.

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  1. Laboratory of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechneiou Str. 9, 157 80, Athens, Greece

    Dimitrios Rozos & Constantinos Loupasakis

  2. Department of Geography and Climatology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University Campus, Zografou, 157 84, Athens, Greece

    Hariklia D. Skilodimou & George D. Bathrellos

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  1. Dimitrios Rozos
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  2. Hariklia D. Skilodimou
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  3. Constantinos Loupasakis
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  4. George D. Bathrellos
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Correspondence to George D. Bathrellos.

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Rozos, D., Skilodimou, H.D., Loupasakis, C. et al. Application of the revised universal soil loss equation model on landslide prevention. An example from N. Euboea (Evia) Island, Greece. Environ Earth Sci 70, 3255–3266 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2390-3

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