[Objective] The relationship between erosion gullies and terrain factor was studied to clarify the effects of catchment topography on the development and distribution of erosion gullies in Jilin Province

and to provide a scientific basis for future erosion gully comprehensive management and land use planning.[Methods] The dimensions of 25 total gullies were measured using real time kinematic (RTK) positioning in Liaoheyuan Town

Dongliao County

Jilin Province. Digital elevation models (DEMs) of the gully catchments were generated based on 1:10 000 scale topographic maps using ArcGIS software

and the relationship between gullies and their topographic factors were obtained and analyzed.[Results] ① Gully density in the study area was 5.99 km/km2

and the proportion of valleys within the slope area was 5.12%. Erosion gullies were mainly distributed at the middle and base of the farmland

and the erosion intensity was severe; ② The proportion of gully areas to the slope area first presented an increasing trend and then a decreasing trend with the slope changes. The maximum value of proportion was reached in the slope ranged from 6 to 9 degrees; ③ Additionally

there was a power function relationship between gully density and the average width of the confluence area; ④ Gully density decreased with the proportion of gully area to the slope area increasing in the slope steepness from 3 to 6 degrees

whereas increased with the proportion of gully area to the slope area increasing in the slope steepness from 6 to 9 degrees; ⑤ There were linear positive correlations among the average width of gully/catchment and shape coefficients

and the correlation coefficients were 0.57 and 0.84

respectively.[Conclusion] The gully erosion intensity was severe and have a tendency of worsening in the hilly area of Jilin Province. Erosion gullies were mainly distributed in farmland areas and featured slope steepness of 6 to 9 degrees.