PRECIPITATION,
A PRESENT-DAY MODELLING FACTOR
IN THE ORĂŞTIE CORRIDOR
CĂTĂLINA MĂRCULEŢ, I. MĂRCULEŢ
Abstract. - This Corridor, which extends between the confluence of the Mureş River and its tributaries Sebeş and the Strei, is subjected to vast modelling processes (rain-induced weathering, surface erosion, gullying, torrential activity and landsliding), triggered largely by precipitation. Annual mean values are over 500 mm; however, maximum precipitation/24 hrs of up to 75 mm have the greatest impact. Slope processes are enhanced with precipitation of over 10 mm / day, more frequently occurring from June through to September. The analysis of the Fournier Index (an indicator of rain-induced erosion) has revealed that maximum values were recorded by the Sebeş and Deva weather station in June and July. Large quantities of torrential and lasting precipitation are a frequent occurrence also during transitional seasons, having the same detrimental effects, mostly in spring when harvested soils are already moist from snowmelt. Whenever heavy rains fall after long periods of dryness, the soil is severely impaired by raininduced denudation, especially on slopes cultivated with hoeing plants.
Key words: precipitation, morphodynamic potential, present-day modelling processes, gravitational processes, Orăstie Corridor.