Gully erosion

Gully erosion is the formation of channels on valleys that previously didn't have distinct concentrated water flows by the action of erosion.  Gully erosion is a severe environmental problem in certain areas of Australia including South East Queensland.  It contributes massive amounts of sediment to stream ecosystems in the region being one the major causes of their degradation.

These are some pictures of gullies in South East Queensland.

                

  

    

                

 Gully restoration is of major importance to achieve river restoration in an affected catchment.  It takes place naturally as the gully evolves towards stabilization but can be accelerated by human intervention.   A stabilized gully achieves a new equilibrium between the settling and transport of sediments as rivers do and also becomes habitat for several species of plants and animals.  Gullies in the dry upper catchments of Australia tend to behave as intermittent streams having flows only associated with rain events and drying out soon after.