dendrogeomorphology; slope erosion; gully; loess

Erosion is a very frequently studied natural process. Unfortunately, detailed analysis mostly requires long-term field monitoring or detailed digital elevation models (DEM) which are still absent for many areas. From these reasons we used dendrogeomorphic method that is a valuable tool for erosion analysis. The slopes of about 220 m long gully close to the Kozárovce village (Slovakia) were the object of our study. We analyzed 53 tree root samples coming from 16 broad-leaved trees of different species. 23 erosion event years were explored during the reconstruction period AD 1972-2013. The mean erosion rate ER was 1.00 cm/year. We were able to create four erosion patterns of slope erosion based on subsequent exposure of different parts of root. These erosion patterns serve as base for a model of gully cross profile development. The highest values of erosion rate were reconstructed in the lowest parts of gully slopes. The gully sides formed by volcanic rocks are affected by lateral retreat here.