SSS5.19

Climate and erosion in Mediterranean Ecosystems under Global Change

Convener: E. NADAL ROMERO 
Co-Conveners: J. C. Gonzalez-Hidalgo , J. P. Nunes , S. Beguería , P. Lionello
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Mediterranean ecosystems are particularly threatened by soil erosion. They are particularly sensitive to Global Changes due to: (i) land use/cover changes, (ii) intense human activity, (iii) precipitation totals, extremes and seasonality, and (iv) means and extremes temperature. Recent and future trends in erosion and desertification in the Mediterranean region is on debate. Climate scenarios foresee pronounced changes in the Mediterranean region, with a decrease of the mean precipitation and increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events. Land use change scenarios differ notably for the North and the South shores of the Mediterranean, but they also predict relevant changes for the next decades. How these changes will affect the vegetation cover and erosion rates is an open question, which we will try to answer. Scenarios of projected climatic and land use change in the region will be discussed, and their expected impact on the natural vegetation, crop yields, frequency and magnitude of erosion processes, forest fires, and other related aspects will be explored. Examples of studies covering both the North and the South shores of the Mediterranean will be especially welcome.