Physical and social aspects of land degradation in mediterranean highland terraces: A geodiversity approach

The aim of the present research was to investigate the mechanisms leading to the erosion and destruction of terraces under Mediterranean climatic conditions, with special focus on the bulge of the terrace retaining wall. The main research area were abandoned terraces in the Western Galilee in Israel. Experimental plots to measure runoff and sediment yield were installed in the abandoned and cultivated terraces. Runoff coefficients for most plots were less than 1% and highest sediment yield was 8.3 g/m² for one plot. Runoff and sediment yield were high in the steep slopes sites and low in the low gradient terraces.