Evaluation of Rainfall Erosivity in the Western Balkans by Mapping and Clustering ERA5 Reanalysis Data

The Western Balkans (WB) region is highly prone to water erosion processes, and therefore, the estimation of rainfall erosivity (R-factor) essential for understanding complex relationships between hydro-meteorological factors soil processes. main objectives this study are (1) estimate spatial-temporal distribution R-factor across WB by applying RUSLE RUSLE2 methodology with data period 1991 2020 (2) apply cluster analysis identify places high risk, thereby offer a means targeting suitable mitigation measures. To assess variability, ERA5 reanalysis hourly (0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution) comprised 390 grid points were used. calculations made on decadal resolution (i.e., 1990s, 2000s, 2010s), as well whole (1991–2020). In order reveal patterns erosivity, k-means clustering algorithm was applied. Visualization mapping performed in python using Matplotlib, Seaborn, Cartopy libraries. Hourly precipitation intensity monthly totals exhibited pronounced variability over area. High values observed SW >0.3 mm h−1 average, while least seen Pannonian Basin far south (Albanian coast), where mean less than an average 0.1 h−1. very both methods. calculated 790 MJ ha−1·h−1·yr−1, which 58% higher obtained from (330 ha−1·h−1·yr−1). at timescales suggested rise 14% 2010s. methods implies better case five clusters (K = 5) regarding values. maps presented research can be useful tools assessment control works, especially agriculture land use planning. Since important part models (RUSLE RUSLE2), results used guide landscape modeling, measures regional scale.