LEE VS. STOSS: THE ROLE OF AEOLIAN PROCESSES IN GULLY EROSION

Aeolian processes are a significant factor in erosion of gully systems, yet their role in humid subtropical environments is not well understood. This study quantifies the rates of Aeolian erosion in a system of gullies formed in ultisol soils in Washington County TN. Prior research at this site found that up to 10% of the variability in soil erosion in a humid subtropical environment can be explained by Aeolian processes. A network of 28 erosion pins was installed in gully sidewalls and their length was measured on a weekly basis from 6/3/2012 to 6/4/2015. Wind speed and direction data were collected using an on-site weather station. The prevailing wind direction was from the southwest while the gullies are oriented in an easterly direction such that the prevailing winds blew across the strike of the gullies. Erosion pins were grouped by stoss and leeward location and weekly differences for each pin were compared between the two groups using a two sample T-test, assuming unequal variance. The lumped pin difference data showed no statistically significant difference in erosion between the stoss and leeward sides of the gullies. Future work will examine the differences between these groups on a week by week basis.