Century-scale stream network dynamics in the Russian Plain in response to climate and land use change

摘要: The spatial and temporal dynamics of stream net density (SND) within the Central Southern parts Russian Plain during last two centuries are studied by comparison historical cartographic sources. A significant decrease SND is observed in forest–steppe steppe zones. maximum detected at northern edge zone, where values middle 20th century were only 50–60% those beginning 19th century. Two stages permanent disappearance found study area: (1) end 18th to first half century, was associated with a high frequency droughts, that coincided an expansion area arable land, (2) quarter can be explained extreme erosion rates resulting from cultivation over steep slopes after 1861 land reform. roles regional climate use change confirmed hydrological meteorological data coupled on anthropogenic gully formation. Detailed studies number key basins provide basis for understanding mechanisms reduction. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.