Wind erosion risk assessment using time-series ground cover and climate data

This study explores approaches for wind erosion risk assessment utilising available time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and climate products. We present a simple index and a ruleset based approach to identify wind erosion risk areas across Australian using time-series of ground cover, soil moisture and wind speed. These approaches and data sets were implemented in a geographic information system to produce wind erosion risk maps for Australia at 500 m resolution on a monthly basis for the recent eleven year period (2000-2010). These maps were compared with dust modelling (CEMSYS) and measurements from DustWatch network. Results demonstrate that time series of ground cover, soil moisture and wind speed can be jointly used to identify landscape erodibility and to map seasonal changes across Australia. The wind erosion risk maps can be used to assist in better targeting areas for investments and continuous monitoring, evaluation and reporting that will lead to reduced wind erosion and improved soil condition.