Study on erosion deformation of dry-red soil in Yuanmou dry-hot valley with different elevation gradients based on SBAS-InSAR technology

The Yuanmou dry-hot valley has been confirmed as a typical area subjected to severe soil erosion in southwestern China. The research on the soil erosion deformation exhibited by the dry-red soil that is extensively distributed in this region takes on critical significance in deepening the investigation of soil and water loss control efforts in the Yuanmou dry-hot valley. In this study, a time series of soil erosion deformation was established at different altitudinal gradients from March 2018 to October 2022 using Small Baseline Subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR) technology to explore the deformation patterns exhibited by soil erosion in the dry-red soil of the Yuanmou dry-hot valley. Next, the time series of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and monthly average rainfall in the identical period were analyzed comprehensively. The result of this study are presented as follows: 1) The dry-red soil regions in the Yuanmou dry-hot valley, which were observed in the line of sight (LOS) direction, attained the deformation rates ranging from −101.683 mm/yr to 30.57 mm/yr (Ascending),-79.658 mm/yr to 41.942 mm/yr (Descending). In general, areas with significant surface erosion were concentrated in the Longchuan River basin flowing through the north and south of Yuanmou County as well as in the river confluence zones. Uplifted areas have been more widely reported in the central and northern regions of Yuanmou (e.g., the Wudongde hydroelectric power station reservoir area). 2) A significant altitudinal gradient effect was exerted by soil erosion in the dry-red soil of the Yuanmou dry-hot valley. The valley-dam area and the medium and low mountain areas were subjected to the most severe soil erosion, and the maximum erosion reached over 80 mm. Erosion was mitigated in the low mountain areas around the dam and the medium and high mountain areas, and the maximum erosion reached 60 mm and 30 mm, respectively. At an altitude of 1,350 m, soil erosion in the dry-red soil was more significantly affected by rainfall. Nevertheless, at an altitude over 1,350 m, variations in FVC become the primary factor for soil erosion in the dry-red soil. The results of this study can scientifically support soil and water loss control efforts in the Yuanmou dry-hot valley.