Sediment budget in mountainous watersheds: impact-based assessment of soil erosion and water-reservoir sedimentation under future changes. SED4BUD

Project Description:

The project focuses on quantifying sediment generation in mountain basins, which is critically important for addressing various aspects related to ecological transition and Regulation 2020/852 of the European Parliament and Council Taxonomy. This includes the protection of natural resources, such as reducing soil degradation and erosion, ensuring water supply, improving renewable energy associated with reservoirs, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The project mainly addresses three interconnected challenges related to sediment generation: i) soil erosion, ii) sediment transport, and iii) sedimentation in water reservoirs. Additionally, it assesses their historical, current, and future impacts due to changes in climate and land use and land cover (LULC).

Soil erosion is globally recognized as an environmentally significant threat, affecting multiple natural ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and soil quality. In Europe, the total annual costs resulting from sediment generation amount to 1.25 billion euros, and Spain is particularly affected by this phenomenon. Likewise, sedimentation in water reservoirs represents a significant problem, with a considerable loss of storage capacity worldwide and a critical impact in Spain.

Furthermore, it is acknowledged that the effects of climate change and modifications in land use and land cover will have a considerable impact on sediment generation in mountain basins. In this regard, the project aims to develop tools and models to quantify this generation at a regional level in mountainous areas, addressing both current conditions and future projections. The project is linked to multiple international, European, and national strategies and plans, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, IPCC reports, EU priorities, and national plans related to energy and climate change in Spain.

Project Objectives:

Enhance the understanding of soil erosion and sediment budget in mountain basins, develop a physical model to quantify the sediment budget, and analyze the impacts of future changes in land use and climate on this budget, focusing on soil degradation and sedimentation in water reservoirs.