Analysis of erosive processes and erosion rate by in-situ measurements and multi-temporal TLS surveys in a mountainous badland area, Vallcebre (Spain)

Badlands are highly erosive landforms characterized by dissected morphology, prevalent in regions with soft rocks and unconsolidated sediments, and are unsuitable for agriculture. Despite extensive research, understanding the dynamics of badlands remains limited, particularly in mountainous areas affected by freeze–thaw processes. This study aims to bridge this gap through a three-year investigation (November 2020 to November 2023), employing advanced geomatic techniques and a conventional approach. Focusing on two 8 m² and 12.5 m² badlands slopes facing north and south in the Upper Llobregat River Basin (Spain), the research aims to identify, characterize, and quantify erosive processes through Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and sediment trap measurements. While both methods effectively quantify sediment volumes, TLS proves more valuable for distinguishing processes and analysing slope morphological changes.

Over the three-year study period, 766 dm³ and 282 dm³ of soil were eroded from the south and north slopes respectively, resulting in annual erosion rates of 30000 Mg km⁻² year⁻¹ and 16500 Mg km⁻² year⁻¹. The erosion rates are relatively consistent with previous studies in these specific badlands, estimating erosion values ranging between 11000 Mg km⁻² year⁻¹ and 23000 Mg km⁻² year⁻¹. The findings reveal well-defined cyclic seasonal patterns: during autumn and winter, processes favouring the degradation of clay-rich slope material prevail, while in summer, soil detachment becomes predominant. Freeze-thaw cycles emerge as the most significant contributor to the degradation of clay-rich slope material, altering its internal structure and expanding its volume, swelling up to 5 cm in some areas. Conversely, during spring and summer, rainfall becomes the primary agent driving soil detachment and sediment transfer to sediment traps. Short-intense rainfalls, in particular, lead to rill and sheet erosion, identified as the primary erosive processes at the slope scale. Thus, this study highlights the critical roles of temperature and rainfall in the soil erosion process.