1. Characterizing Soil Erosion in Albania using Remote Sensing Ryan L. Perroy Geography Department University of California, Santa Barbara

2. Introduction Research Questions Importance Benefits and drawbacks Study Area Methodology Expected Results Conclusion

3. Research Questions What does soil erosion look like on the ground? Can we see it from space? How can we map and quantify soil erosion from space?

4. Importance Threat to food security General lack of data Traditional methods too costly

5. Benefits and Drawbacks Spatial and temporal coverage Cost-effectiveness Relatively minor field-work Resolution (spectral and spatial) Mountainous terrain Unproven

6. Study Area Vjosa Watershed Shkumbini Watershed Albania

7. Methodology Field measurements Acquire imagery: (ASTER,MODIS, Landsat 7, Hyperion) Laboratory spectral measurements Process imagery Analyze results

8. 60 km X 60 km ASTER (partial coverage of Vjosa watershed) Sample Image

10. Expected Results Positive identification of eroded areas ASTER-derived DEM of study areas Greatest success with Hyperion Established methodology for erosion assessment

11. Conclusion Erosion is a serious problem Traditional assessment methods are not viable Remote sensing techniques have significant potential Data exists Albania is a worthy and valid test case