Author(s)

T. Gournelos, A. Vassilopoulos & N. Evelpidou

Abstract

Erosional processes in the north-eastern part of Attica (Oropos coastal zone) using web-G.I.S. and soft computing technology T. Gournelos, A. Vassilopoulos & N. Evelpidou Geography & Climatology Sector, Geology Department, University of Athens, Greece Abstract In this paper the erosional process of northeastern coastal Attica is studied. The alpine formation, usually Mesozoic limestones and the post-alpine deposits such as conglomerates, sandstones and marl-limestones characterize the geology of this area. This area has dramatically changed in the last decade as a result of a rapid urbanization. In June 2001 this coastal area experienced a severe fire event with enormous effect of the vegetation cover. Apart from this damage the outcropping of post -alpine vulnerable formations might accelerate erosion during possible intense rainfall. All these taken under consideration turned us to the construction of an erosion risk map based on web-GIS and soft computing technology. Such approach can be very useful for regional planning and environmental management. Indeed since our first abstract (September, 2001) heavy precipitation has been occurred (November, 2001) and a vast quantity of the weathering material has been mobilized. This fact and the new data sets have strongly proved the usefulness of this study. 1 Introduction It is well known that land degradation occurs by erosion of soil and surface rocks. These erosional processes are very active in the Mediterranean environments (Poesen, & Hooke, 1977). The intensity of the above processes is much influenced by the amount and the intensity of the precipitation, the

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