Drainage network evolution and reconstruction in an open pit kaolin mine at the edge of the Alto Tajo natural Park

摘要: Abstract Landform instability of the abandoned Nuria kaolin mine, surrounding Alto Tajo Natural Park in Spain, has caused frequent and severe environmental impacts due to deficient mining practices, mismanagement closure planning. Geomorphic widespread soil erosion elevated sediment yields with off-site effects. We quantified such land instability, evolution resulting drainage networks catchments, ensuing gully processes. High Resolution Topography sources were compared historic maps photos. The current mine rehabilitation practices are depicted based on a geomorphic approach that introduces sustainable system designed avoid detected risks. Our aim is reconstructing fluvial channels related hillslopes mimic their natural counterparts adapted pre-existing gradient terraces. demonstrate that: i) activity produced 31–58% decrease original site network ii) post-mining active advancing an indicator redevelopment toward upstream pond flash-flooding risk; iii) constructed proper density gradient-terraces seeks reestablishing stability; iv) absence sufficient funding for rehabilitation, public/private collaboration agreements play important role reinstate landscape stability or erroneously restored mines.