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Soil erosion, which is caused by water, is one of the most important environmental problems of Turkey. It increases every day as a result of the unconscious activities of people. This study aims to reveal soil loss in Alakır Creek basin and highlight the factors influential on differences between areas in terms of soil loss. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) based RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) method was employed in the study. Various materials obtained from different resources were used. The obtained findings were evaluated via one-way analysis of variance and simple binary correlation. It was concluded that the basin has an average annual soil loss of 5.26 t ha-1 y-1. This is a significant finding because this value is below Turkey's average (6.14 t ha-1 y-1). On the other hand, it was found that very low (Risk 1) erosion risk is effective in most of the basin area (61.9%). Also, the statistical analysis results indicated that a significant difference and a positive (+) relationship exist between the erosion risk in the basin and the variables. Certain measures should be taken to prevent or minimize erosion across the basin. In this context, firstly the current erosion areas should be announced as erosion control areas and taken under control. This study showed that erosion practices supported by GIS and statistical analyses yield sounder results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at determining and mapping the erosion risk zones and average annual soil loss amount in Tekirdağ province through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). To this end, various materials collected from different sources were combined in accordance with the method content. The obtained results were checked in-situ via field surveys. It was concluded that there was a very soft (Risk 1) erosion risk in most of Tekirdağ province (61.9 %). It was seen that erosion was intense mostly in the areas which had high slope values, which had a poor or destroyed ground cover, and where valley density was high and soil had a fine characteristic. Average annual soil loss in the province was found to be 5.26 t/ha-1/y-1. This soil loss value was quite below the Turkey average (6.14 t/ha-1/y-1), thereby referring to a positive situation. In addition, it was determined that an increase occurred in very soft, soft, and very intense erosion risk classes while a decrease occurred in medium, strong, and intense erosion risk classes in the 32 year period (1981-2013). However, despite such positive findings, some measures should be taken across the province in order to minimize erosion. Erosion may acquire a characteristic similar to the one in the past and increase, if such measures are not taken. The present study also demonstrated that erosion risk might be determined via GIS4based RUSLE method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]