Human impacts on fluvial systems in the Mediterranean region

• Published in: Geomorphology (Amsterdam) 2006-09, Vol.79 (3), p.311-335
• Main Author: Hooke, J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Connectivity; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Geomorphology, landform evolution; Land degradation; Land management; Marine and continental quaternary; Mediterrean; Pollution, environment geology; River management; Rivers; Soil erosion; Surficial geology
• ISSN: 0169-555X; 1872-695X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.06.036

The long history of substantial human impacts on the landscape of the Mediterranean region, and their effects on fluvial systems, is documented. These effects have included impacts of deforestation and other land use changes, agricultural terracing on a wide scale, water transfers, and irrigation schemes. During the 20th century, major changes were made directly to channels through channelisation, construction of dams of various sizes, and extraction of gravel, and indirectly by reforestation. These changes have caused a major phase of incision on some rivers. Runoff and soil erosion have been affected by types of crops and agricultural practices as well as by the varying extent of cultivation and grazing. Some recent agricultural practices involve wholescale relandscaping of the topography and alteration of surface properties of material. The importance of analysing the connectivity within different land units and of the spatial position of human activity within a catchment is illustrated. The analysis of connectivity is the key to understanding the variability of impact and the extent of propagation of effects.