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)