Investigating muddy floods in Slovakia

Abstract

Abstract The problem of land degradation by muddy floods in Slovakia arose because of land use changes in the second half of the 20th century, accompanied more recently with climate change. This paper presents empirical research as well as modelling of the spatial distribution of muddy floods in Slovakia. Natural conditions, land cover and recorded events from the last few decades are described and analysed. Special attention is paid to the region of the Myjava Hill Land where systematic observation of muddy floods has been undertaken for some time. A model assessing muddy flood hazard throughout Slovakia is presented. It is based on comparison of models of actual soil erosion and the potential for local flooding. The results accord with preliminary empiric investigations. More detailed and systematic research of these phenomena is important for environmental planning and impacts upon insurance decisions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.