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Progress in Physical Geography
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Effects of rainfall change on water erosion processes in terrestrial ecosystems: a review

Wei Wei

Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China

Liding Chen

Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China, liding{at}rcees.ac.cn

Bojie Fu

Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China

Water erosion is the most destructive erosion type worldwide, causing serious land degradation and environmental deterioration. Against a background of climate change and accelerated human activities, changes in natural rainfall regimes have taken place and will be expected to become more pronounced in future decades. Long-term shifts may challenge the existing cultivation systems worldwide and eventually alter the spatiotemporal patterns of land use and topography. Meanwhile, specific features of soil crusting/sealing, plant litter and its decomposition, and antecedent soil moisture content (ASMC) will accompany rainfall variability. All these changes will increase pressures on soil erosion and hydrological processes, making accurate erosion prediction and control more difficult. An improved knowledge and understanding of this issue, therefore, is essential for dealing with the forthcoming challenges regarding soil and water conservation practices. In this paper, the characteristics of changes in natural rainfall, its role on terrestrial ecosystems, the challenges, and its effect on surface water erosion dynamics are elaborated and discussed. The major priorities for future research are also highlighted, and it is hoped that this will promote a better understanding of water erosion processes and related hydrological issues.

Key Words: climate change • process • rainfall • terrestrial ecosystem • water erosion.

This version was published on June 1, 2009

Progress in Physical Geography, Vol. 33, No. 3, 307-318 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0309133309341426
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