Loess Gullies of the Nałęczów Plateau—An Outcome of Human–Environment Interactions

The western part of the Nałęczów Plateau (E Poland) features numerous permanent gullies whose concentration locally exceeds 10 km/km2. Their formation is linked to agricultural activity and natural factors conducive to intensive gully erosionGully, gully erosion such as the presence of thick loessLoess covers, diverse relief, or frequent occurrence of torrential rainfallRainfalltorrential. Gullies form multi-branched systems usually dissecting the floors and slopes of dry valleysDry valley. The main forms usually reach the depth of 10–20 m and, due to their high density, they play an important environmental role and have an impact on hydrology, biodiversity, and microclimate. At present, most gullies do not show any significant activity but, under certain conditions, agricultural practices in their catchments are conducive to more intensive geomorphological processes.