This study relies on the application of the Universal Soil Loss Equation
(USLE) model and involves calculations of carbon stocks, which require
multiplying the carbon quantity by bulk density and estimated depth,
taking into account the influence of erosion. The findings indicate that
the green areas on the map represent soils that have been most severely
impacted by fires, resulting in a high erosion risk exceeding 75%. In
contrast, the remaining areas face a range of soil loss risks, varying
from moderate to approaching the tolerable limit of 11 tons per hectare
per year, particularly within the context of mountainous landscapes.
It’s important to note that the risk of soil loss is intensified by
several factors, including the loss of vegetation cover caused by fire,
which reduces the protective barrier against erosion, and the natural
slope of the terrain, which can further exacerbate the erosion
potential. This combination of factors underscores the significance of
addressing erosion control and soil conservation efforts, especially in
the areas most severely affected by fires, to maintain the long-term
health and stability of these landscapes.( Table2)
3.1Slope map
On the main island of the Galite
archipelago, the topography has a T-shaped configuration, featuring
three main ridges: Bout de Somme, Bosc des Galines, and La Garde. The
topography also includes plateaus and cols, creating some areas with
less steep terrain that are relatively easy to access. Approximately
10% of the island has slopes lower than 10 degrees. Furthermore, around
66% of the area has slopes ranging from 20 to 40 degrees, while 8% of
the land is characterized by slopes between 40 and 90 degrees (Oueslati
et al., 2013).
The part of the island known as ”La Plaine” is the largest among the
less rugged areas. It corresponds to a col that separates La Garde ridge
on one side and the other two ridges on the other. It is also important
to note a distinction between slopes facing north and those facing
south. The south-facing slopes are relatively extensive, featuring
plateaus and more or less prominent peaks, traversed by the most
extensive valleys in the archipelago. On the other hand, the
north-facing slopes are generally very steep, with abrupt slopes that
continuously and regularly descend towards the sea. These slopes are
dominated by rocky cliffs, sometimes reaching heights of over 350 meters
(Figure 3)