Erosion characteristics in badlands on the Fm. Tudela (Bárdenas Reales, Navarra)

Abstract

At Bardenas Reales, erosion processes are due to hydric action and wind erosion. Climate, lithology and geomorphology are the main factors that control water erosion. Besides sediment yield by water, other forms exist to export material: mudslides and armoured mud balls. Clay material at high slopes and high dispersion index together with climate determine the presence of one type of erosion or another. On winter times, mudslides are developed while on summer high intensity storms provoke incision. Meanwhile armoured mud balls could coexist with both of them.