This project supported by:

State of Environment Reports: wind erosion

SNAP-SHOT:

Representing wind erosion within State of Environment Reports (SoE)

1. We have contributed to a number of State of Environment Reports:

n       National SoE 2001, 2006.

n       Queensland SoE 1997, 1999, 2003, 2007.

2. Using the Dust Storm Index (DSI) to calculate wind erosion, estimates of land condition and extent of wind erosion are made for either the continent or the state.


3. Specific products include:

n       a table showing wind erosion activity and trend within each NRM region for the reporting period in relation to the reference period 1992–1995

n       maps of wind erosion activity for the reporting period and the long term (1960–current)

Reporting on wind erosion

State of the environment reporting is a statutory requirement under both the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act). The Acts require the state EPA’s to prepare an assessment of the state of the environment and of the coastal zone at least every four years.

Griffith University has been providing wind erosion data for inclusion in State of Environment Reports since 1997.  Contributions to the National SoE occurred in 2001 and 2006; to the Queensland SoE in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Acknowledgements

These projects were led by Professor Grant McTainsh with the technical support provided by Mr Kenn Tews.

Funding for these projects is through the organising department, for example the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water (2007).