Gully Density

AUS-AKW-CON-GUL General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0 m/ha
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is OptimalRange, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard Point Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The Upper Detrimental Threshold is crossed with the appearance of any active, measurable gully network.

Metric Definition:

Gully Density is the measure of the length of active gully networks per unit area of landscape.

Benchmark Definition:

This threshold marks the onset of landscape degradation in Arid Karstic Woodlands, indicated by any measurable presence of active gullies.

Justification:

Any measurable gully presence (>0 m/ha) signifies anthropogenic disturbance and departure from the natural stable state.

Sources (1)

Preview of Etched linear dunefields of the Nullarbor Plain: A record of Pliocene-Pleistocene wind patterns across southern Australia
Etched linear dunefields of the Nullarbor Plain: A record of Pliocene-Pleistocene wind patterns across southern Australia Journal

Etched linear dunefields of the Nullarbor Plain: A record of Pliocene-Pleistocene wind patterns across southern Australia

View Source

Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of biodiversity - Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 23, 2025,
biodiversity - Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 23, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Our natural environments - NSW National Parks, accessed July 23, 2025

View Source
Preview of Gully erosion prediction across a large region: Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Gully erosion prediction across a large region: Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Contextual Support Journal

Draft Consultation Document The Case for World Heritage Nomination of the Nullarbor and Great Australian Bight (South Australia) - Wilderness Society

View Source
Preview of Yellabinna and Warna Manda Parks - Department for Environment and Water
Yellabinna and Warna Manda Parks - Department for Environment and Water
Contextual Support Journal

Yellabinna and Warna Manda Parks - Department for Environment and Water

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 9 Jun 2026

Notes

The presence of gullies indicates a fundamental disruption of the landscape's natural hydrological processes.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AKW-CON-GUL family.

0 m/ha High
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas ยท Pristine Reference
Point Active v1