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A large‐scale mapping of gully density was carried out for the Middle Volga region of the Russian Plain (188 000 km2) based on the interpretation of aerial photographs (scale 1:17 000; surveys undertaken during 1956–1970). In addition, spatial‐temporal dynamic of gully density were assessed for some parts of the study area (the Udmurt Republic and the Mesha and Ulema River basins of Tatarstan), based on the interpretation of aerial photographs (survey 1986–1991) and high resolution satellite images (2012–2015). Information on factors potentially controlling gully formation and development were collected and a geographic information system (GIS) analysis was conducted. Results show the strong development of gullies in the study area over the 1956–1970 period with an average gully density of 0.21 km km−2. For the Udmurt region, we found that gully densities varied little in the period 1956–1986, during which the total active gully length reduced with only 2%. This period was characterized by low variable climatic conditions and a stable fraction of arable land with a relatively continuous crop rotation system. However, gully dynamics seems to have changed more strongly during recent decades. We found a strong (order of magnitude) reduction in active gully density for the period 2010–2015 as compared to 1986–1991. The main reason for this is likely the increasing winter air temperatures. This leads to a significant reduction in surface runoff during spring as a result of snowmelt. Nonetheless, in some regions (i.e. the Udmurt Republic in the taiga zone), the abandonment of arable land after 1991 likely plays a significant role. Likewise, a decline in the frequency of extreme rainfall events (> 50 mm) may have played a role. All of these factors contribute to a reduction of surface runoff to the gullies and their subsequent stabilization. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract. Geographic Information System (GIS)and Geoportal with open access «River basins of the European Russia» were implemented. GIS and Geoportal are based on the map of basins of small rivers of the European Russia with information about natural and anthropogenic characteristics, namely geomorphometry of basins relief; climatic parameters, representing averages, variation, seasonal variation, extreme values of temperature and precipitation; land cover types; soil characteristics; type and subtype of landscape; population density. The GIS includes results of spatial analysis and modelling, in particular, assessment of anthropogenic impact on river basins; evaluation of water runoff and sediment runoff; climatic, geomorphological and landscape zoning for the European part of Russia. IntroductionCurrently, in Russia, there is no integrated geospatial database or geographic information system tied to the basins of small rivers. The urgency of creating such a complete coverage GIS that is capable to accumulate large volumes of spatial information on natural systems and integrated information on the state of small river basins is in relevancy of studying the results of increasing anthropogenic impact, as well as climatic changes observed in different landscape areas on basin geographic systems. The large region of Russia -its European part which is some 4 million square kilometres with the most part of population and industrial and agricultural potential of the country -is being fundamentally studied in terms of geographical analysis of minor river basins and river runoff while creating designated geographic information system (GIS) "River basins of the European Russia". The designed GIS is considered to be a base for modern data and knowledge on geographic, hydroclimatic, geoecological and other characteristics of natural resource potential of tens thousands river basins. The thematic information sources are the data from long-term monitoring's, Earth's remote sensing, and accumulated corpus of cartographic materials from state surveys. The GIS includes not only actual information, but also the results of its comprehensive spatial analysis and modelling, assessments of anthropogenic load on river basins, the results of studying the patterns of water runoff formation depending on the landscape and geographical conditions in the European part of Russia.The information accumulated in the GIS is located on the geoportal "River basins of the European Russia" with public (open) access, which will enable a wide range of representatives of a scientific community and experts in the field of environmental management and protection to obtain thematic

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