Eco-geomorphological system response variability to the 2004–06 drought along a climatic gradient of the Littoral Betic Range (southern Spain)

摘要: Abstract One of the main characteristics Mediterranean climate is high frequency droughts which last for a year or more and appearance dry spells within wet season. The Littoral Betic Range, in South Iberian Peninsula, shows significant climatic gradient from Straits Gibraltar (1600 mm − 1 ) to Cabo de Gata (150 mm ). These differences conditions result variations elements eco-geomorphological system at hillslope scale. This study aimed analyse immediate consequences two-year drought period (2004–06) on several three hillslopes under different (sub-humid, semi-arid). soil water content, pattern vegetation some properties (organic matter aggregate stability permeability) were analysed before (Nov-2003) during (Nov-2005) period. most important findings were: i) reduction content reached values below wilting point seasons, affecting negatively available especially wettest sites; ii) cover number plants, semi-arid field iii) changes organic aggravate loss aggregates, process seen clearly arid conditions; iv) permeability all situations studied, supposes priori an increase erosive processes due surface runoff. results indicate increased vulnerability because rainfall situation.