Date Presented:

Abstract:

The geochemical characteristics of topsoil depend on many variables such as the
lithological nature of the geological environment, climatic conditions and human
effects. This paper focuses οn assessing the contribution of lithology to soil
geochemistry, through the process of erosion. For this purpose, extensive field work
was carried out, including lithologic recognition of formations, rock and soil sampling
and finally definition of possible human impacts that affect the chemical status of
soils. Supplementary information was adopted from the pre-existing literature for the
area, as well as from geomorphological characteristics, climatic conditions and
chemical analyses of both rock and soil. Thus, a primary database has been
developed, in order to asses the correlation between susceptibility of outcropping
geological formations and soil geochemical status. The area of Kopaida basin, in
central Greece, was chosen as a case study, and the final outcome was the developing
of an erosion risk map for the prevailing geological formations, which may be used as
useful tool for developing appropriate strategies on environmental protection, hazard
assessment and regional planning.