The generalization of field research data concerning gully-balkas systems in the cities of the European part of Russia is presented. The four types of cities were distinguished according to the degree and the character of their interaction with gully-balkas systems: dependent on relief, semi-dependent (the populations numbers 100000200000), cities subduing relief (the population numbers up to 500000), cities downbearing relief. Factors of gullies formation and specificity of their manifestation in these types of cities are analysed.
The generalization of field research data concerning gully-balkas systems in the cities of the European part of Russia is presented. The four types of cities were distinguished according to the degree and the character of their interaction with gully-balkas systems: dependent on relief, semi-dependent (the populations numbers 100000200000), cities subduing relief (the population numbers up to 500000), cities downbearing relief. Factors of gullies formation and specificity of their manifestation in these types of cities are analysed.
The classification suggested is based on morphological features of mouth alignments. The latter may be linked to the water edge or flood plain, to the bed of the balkas and dry valleys or to the water reservoirs. These peculiarities have a significant impact on the intensity of gullies growth and on their role in the erosion-accumulation processes within the catch basin.
Gullies and balkas on the territory of Bryansk are growing nowadays. Some factors advances their growth: coursing the streets along slopes, using the linear erosion forms as dumping sites or spillways, building of garages alongside the gullies etc. The calculations based on hydrologic and geomorphologic characteristics of gully-balka network of Bryansk territory helped determining the boundary of natural monument "Upper and Lower Sudki (Balkas of Bryansk)".
The behavior of gully-balka systems on the territory of scenic reserve "Krylatskiye hills" was analyzed and prognostic calculation of possible linear erosion value within its reach was fulfilled.
The paper presents the fieldwork measurements data and assessment of gullies' development hazard along the gas pipeline on one of the steppe site of Orenburg district. An approach to evaluation of gully growth duration is described. The most hazardous erosion forms and effective erosion control measures were determined.
