Improved slope adjustment functions for soil erosion prediction

Soil Research ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Sheridan ◽  
H. B. So ◽  
R. J. Loch
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Sediment Delivery ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Erosion Prediction ◽  
Slope Adjustment ◽  
The Relationship

Numerous studies in the last 60 years have investigated the relationship between land slope and soil erosion rates. However, relatively few of these have investigated slope gradient responses: (a) for steep slopes, (b)�for specific erosion processes, and (c) as a function of soil properties. Simulated rainfall was applied in the laboratory on 16 soils and 16 overburdens at 100 mm/h to 3 replicates of unconsolidated flume plots 3 m long by 0.8 m wide and 0.15 m deep at slopes of 20, 5, 10, 15, and 30% slope in that order. Sediment delivery at each slope was measured to determine the relationship between slope steepness and erosion rate. Data from this study were evaluated alongside data and existing slope adjustment functions from more than 55 other studies from the literature. Data and the literature strongly support a logistic slope adjustment function of the form S = A + B/[1 + exp (C – D sin θ)] where S is the slope adjustment factor and A, B, C, and D are coefficients that depend on the dominant detachment and transport processes. Average coefficient values when interill-only processes are active are A –1.50, B 6.51, C 0.94, and D 5.30 (r2 = 0.99). When rill erosion is also potentially active, the average slope response is greater and coefficient values are A –1.12, B 16.05, C 2.61, and D 8.32 (r2 = 0.93). The interill-only function predicts increases in sediment delivery rates from 5 to 30% slope that are approximately double the predictions based on existing published interill functions. The rill + interill function is similar to a previously reported value. The above relationships represent a mean slope response for all soils, yet the response of individual soils varied substantially from a 2.5-fold to a 50-fold increase over the range of slopes studied. The magnitude of the slope response was found to be inversely related (log–log linear) to the dispersed silt and clay content of the soil, and 3 slope adjustment equations are proposed that provide a better estimate of slope response when this soil property is known. Evaluation of the slope adjustment equations proposed in this paper using independent datasets showed that the new equations can improve soil erosion predictions.

Interrill and Rill Erosion on Hillslope

2012 ◽  
Vol 170-173 ◽  
pp. 1344-1347
Author(s):  
Gang Liu ◽  
Wen Nian Xu ◽  
Qiong Zhang ◽  
Zhen Yao Xia
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Erosion Process ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Erosion Prediction ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
The Relationship

Interrill and rill erosion are commonly observed erosion processes to coexist on hillslope. Understanding of the interrill and rill erosion process is the key for the development of physically-based erosion prediction models. This paper reviewed the research progress of interrill and rill erosion, and the relationship between them. The shortages were also put forward. Finally, the trends for future development and questions are also discussed.

scholarly journals Modeling Runoff-Formation and Soil Erosion after Pumice Excavation at Forested Andosol-Sites in SW-Germany Using WEPP

Soil Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian J. Zemke ◽  
Joshua Pöhler ◽  
Stephan Stegmann
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Annual Runoff ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Runoff Formation ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Erosion Prediction

This study investigates the effects of pumice excavation on runoff formation and soil erosion processes in a forested catchment in SW-Germany. The underlying questions are, if (a) backfilled soils have different properties concerning runoff generation and erodibility and if (b) clear-cutting prior to excavation triggers runoff and erosion. Four adjacent sub-areas were observed, which represented different pre- and post-excavation-stages. The basis of the investigation was a comprehensive field sampling that delivered the data for physical erosion modeling using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP). Modeling took place for standardized conditions (uniform slope geometry and/or uniform land management) and for actual slope geometry and land management. The results show that backfilled soils exhibited 53% increase of annual runoff and 70% increase of annual soil loss under standardized conditions. Storm runoff was increased by 6%, while storm soil loss was reduced by 9%. Land management changes also triggered shifts in annual runoff and soil erosion: Clear-cut (+1.796% runoff, +4.205% soil loss) and bare (+5.958% runoff, +21.055% soil loss) surfaces showed the most distinct changes when compared to undisturbed forest. While reforestation largely diminished post-excavation runoff and soil erosion, the standardized results statistically prove that soil erodibility and runoff generation remain increased after backfilling.

Erosion Characteristics Based on GIS and Fractal Dimensions

2011 ◽  
Vol 271-273 ◽  
pp. 1142-1145
Author(s):  
Chun Xia Yang ◽  
Bin Zhen ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Jing Huang ◽  
Peng Jiao
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Rainfall Intensity ◽  
Fractal Theory ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Fractal Dimensions ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Pattern Complexity ◽  
Erosion Processes

Soil erosion processes and erosion distribution was research focus to establish distributed mathematical equation in the soil erosion areas, GIS techniques and fractal theory provide a means to advance these studies.Slope erosion patterns of bare slope was studied under rainfall intensities of 45、90 and 130mm/h with 20°slope gradient using simulated rainfall experiment. The results showed that the time of rill appeared of lower rainfall intensity was later than that of high rainfall intensity；Within the rainfall time，the rill scale expanded increased with the increasing of rainfall intensity; The erosion distribution was studied by the three-dimensional laser scanner，The trend of rill erosion deep kept roughly consistent with that of sediment; The characteristics was analyzed of slope erosion by GIS, the fractal dimension and sediment were both increased with rainfall intensity, The fractal dimension was increasing with erosion pattern complexity. So the fractal dimension is the representative of erosion complexity.

The role of the geometry and frequency of rectangular rills in the relationship between sediment concentration and stream power

Soil Research ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Fentie ◽  
C. W. Rose ◽  
K. J. Coughlan ◽  
C. A. A. Ciesiolka
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Sediment Concentration ◽  
Stream Power ◽  
Flume Experiments ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Raindrop Impact

We examined, both experimentally and theoretically, whether rilling results in higher soil erosion than would have occurred without rilling. The possibility of rilling occurs when overland flow-driven erosion processes are dominant over erosion due to raindrop impact, and that is the situation assumed in this paper. Stream power (or a quantity related to stream power such as shear stress) is commonly used to describe the driving variable in flow-driven erosion. Five flume experiments were designed to investigate the relationship between stream power and sediment concentration and how this relationship is affected by the ratio of width to depth of flow (r), and the frequency or number of rills per metre width (N) of rectangular rills. This paper presents the results of these experiments and uses a physically based soil erosion theory to show that the results of the 5 flume experiments are in accord with this theory. This theory is used to investigate the effect of all possible rectangular rill geometries and frequencies on the maximum possible sediment concentration, i.e. the sediment concentration at the transport limit, by developing general relationships for the influence of r and N on sediment concentration. It is shown that increased stream power, which can be due to rilling, does not necessarily result in higher sediment concentration.

Photogrammetricaly measured sheet and rill erosion on steep slopes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Laburda ◽  
Petr Kavka ◽  
Romana Kubínová ◽  
Martin Neumann ◽  
Ondřej Marek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Digital Elevation Models ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Rainfall Simulator ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Steep Slopes

<p>Soil erosion is a long-term problem that causes the degradation of the earth's surface depending on geomorphological and climatic conditions. Adverse combinations of these conditions can create situations where not only sheet erosion occurs, but also rill processes begin to occur due to the concentration of surface runoff. Erosion processes become undesirable and dangerous when they occur on construction sites. The presented project is basically focused on the effectiveness of protective geotextiles against soil erosion, but processes related to sheer and rill erosion were also investigated. The research was carried out on experimental plots of 4x1 meters, which were placed in the outdoor laboratory in Jirkov. These three plots were set at slopes from 22° to 34° and artificial rain was simulated on them using a rainfall simulator. A second experimental area of ​​the same size was available at the laboratory rainfall simulator at the CTU in Prague, where a modern facility was created for the purpose of soil erosion testing on steep slopes. This device can create slopes up to 40°.</p><p>The photogrammetric method „Structure from Motion“ was used for monitoring soil surface before and after each simulation. Orthophotos and digital elevation models were compared with each other to get digital elevation models of difference. Calculation of the ratio between sheet and rill erosion was done by manually creating rill polygons and by calculating the volume changes above the polygons of these rills and over the whole surface. According to preliminary results on these 4 m long slopes, the rill volume represented approximately 30 % compared to the overall volume change.</p><p>Shifts of stabilizing natural geotextiles by surface runoff and eroded material were also monitored using photogrammetric methods. Deformations and displacements were measured from differences in the detailed images before and after the simulation. Transversal veins and their shift along the slope were evaluated.</p><p>This research is funded by the TA CR  - TH02030428.</p>

scholarly journals Soil Erosion Prediction Using Morgan-Morgan-Finney Model in a GIS Environment in Northern Ethiopia Catchment

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebreyesus Brhane Tesfahunegn ◽  
Lulseged Tamene ◽  
Paul L. G. Vlek
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Soil Transport ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Erosion Prediction

Even though scientific information on spatial distribution of hydrophysical parameters is critical for understanding erosion processes and designing suitable technologies, little is known in Geographical Information System (GIS) application in developing spatial hydrophysical data inputs and their application in Morgan-Morgan-Finney (MMF) erosion model. This study was aimed to derive spatial distribution of hydrophysical parameters and apply them in the Morgan-Morgan-Finney (MMF) model for estimating soil erosion in the Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia. Major data input for the model include climate, topography, land use, and soil data. This study demonstrated using MMF model that the rate of soil detachment varied from <20 t ha−1y−1to >170 t ha−1y−1, whereas the soil transport capacity of overland flow (TC) ranged from 5 t ha−1y−1to >42 t ha−1y−1. The average soil loss estimated by TC using MMF model at catchment level was 26 t ha−1y−1. In most parts of the catchment (>80%), the model predicted soil loss rates higher than the maximum tolerable rate (18 t ha−1y−1) estimated for Ethiopia. Hence, introducing appropriate interventions based on the erosion severity predicted by MMF model in the catchment is crucial for sustainable natural resources management.

scholarly journals CliFEM – Climate Forcing and Erosion Modelling in the Sele River Basin (Southern Italy)

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1693-1702 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Diodato ◽  
M. Fagnano ◽  
I. Alberico
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Climate Forcing ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Delivery Ratio ◽  
Scale Invariant ◽  
Sediment Delivery ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Erosion Modelling ◽  
Soil Losses

Abstract. This study presents a revised and scale-adapted Foster-Meyer-Onstad model (Foster et al., 1977) for the transport of soil erosion sediments under scarce input data, with the acronym CliFEM (Climate Forcing and Erosion Modelling). This new idea was addressed to develop a monthly time scale invariant Net Erosion model (NER), with the aim to consider the different erosion processes operating at different time scales in the Sele River Basin (South Italy), during 1973–2007 period. The sediment delivery ratio approach was applied to obtain an indirect estimate of the gross erosion too. The examined period was affected by a changeable weather regime, where extreme events may have contributed to exacerbate soil losses, although only the 19% of eroded sediment was delivered at outlet of the basin. The long-term average soil erosion was very high (73 Mg ha−1 per year ± 58 Mg ha−1). The estimate of monthly erosion showed catastrophic soil losses during the soil tillage season (August–October), with consequent land degradation of the hilly areas of the Sele River Basin.

scholarly journals Soil Erosion on Abandoned Land in Andalusia: A Comparison of Interrill- and Rill Erosion Rates

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Wirtz ◽  
T. Iserloh ◽  
G. Rock ◽  
R. Hansen ◽  
M. Marzen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Aerial Photography ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Total Runoff ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Total Test

The present paper is based on several field investigations (monitoring soil and rill erosion by aerial photography, rainfall simulations with portable rainfall simulators, and manmade rill flooding) in southern Spain. Experiments lead now to a closer understanding of the dynamics and power of different soil erosion processes in a gully catchment area. The test site Freila (Andalusia, Spain) covers an area of 10.01 ha with a rill density of 169 m ha−1, corresponding to a total rill length of 1694 m. Assuming an average rill width of 0.15 m, the total rill surface can be calculated at 250 m2 (0.025 ha). Given that, the surface covered by rills makes up only 0.25% of the total test site. Since the rill network drains 1.98 ha, 20% of the total runoff comes from rills. The rills’ sediment erosion was measured and the total soil loss was then calculated for detachment rates between 1685 g m−2 and 3018 g m−2. The interrill areas (99.75% of the test site) show values between 29 and 143 g m−2. This suggests an important role of rill erosion concerning runoff and soil detachment.

High-resolution photogrammetric methods for nested parameterization and validation of a physical-based soil erosion model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Epple ◽  
Andreas Kaiser ◽  
Marcus Schindewolf ◽  
Anette Eltner
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Thin Sheet ◽  
Complex Model ◽  
Residual Soil ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Erosion Model ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Major Interest

&lt;p&gt;Soil erosion is one of the most prominent environmental problems of major interest to a vast field of research. Due to the complexity, variability and discontinuity of erosional processes, erosion model approaches are non-transferable to different spatial and temporal scales.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The objective of our project is the across-scale modelling of soil erosion, using photogrammetric measurements and optimization methods as well as physical based model approaches. Present process-based models are only valid for the observation scale they are parametrized and validated for. In the observed reality phenomena therefore occur, which are not or only to some extent reproducible by complex model concepts (e.g. development of rills or concentrated runoff within driving lanes). We present the synergetic combination of a physically described model with highly redundant observations from photogrammetric data processing. This enables both the validation of the erosion model EROSION-3D as well as the optimization of its parameters and potentially advancement of the mathematical process description. The photogrammetric observations (RGB and thermal) offer the opportunity of a temporal and spatial differentiated process assessment (splash, sheet and rill erosion, as well as deposition and transport). To this purpose, the acquisition of the respective operating processes and contributing factors, will be nested defined at three different scales (micro plot, single slope and catchment scale) on two sites (loess soil and residual soil).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flexible cross-scale applicable photogrammetric methods, considering 3D reconstruction and flow measurement, combined with physical-based methods of soil erosion modelling shall enable a better and reliable understanding of soil erosion processes on various spatial and temporal observation scales. Consequently, the implementation of the adjusted model is aimed for to enable a cross-scale description and validation of scale-dependent processes (e.g. discrete consideration of thin sheet flow and rill genesis) to offer new perspectives on both interconnectivity of sediment transport and relationship between event frequency and magnitude.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Erosion processes on different relief units: the relationship of form and process

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Iserloh ◽  
S. Wirtz ◽  
M. Seeger ◽  
I. Marzolff ◽  
J.B. Ries
Keyword(s):  
Rainfall Simulation ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Se Spain ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Interrill Erosion ◽  
Talus Material ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Geomorphological relief units are related to certain processes and the history of their development. They are well defined by form and material. This study investigates erosion processes on different relief units. Rainfall simulations, rill experiments and monitoring by aerial photography were performed on dunes, glacis, Holocene fillings, talus material and Quaternary loam terraces in order to analyse the varying process intensities. Splash, interrill erosion and runoff generation were quantified by rainfall simulation experiments, rill erosion by rill experiments and gully growth by monitoring over several years. The test sites are situated in NE- and SE-Spain, S-Morocco and N-Burkina Faso. The results clearly show that the measured processes are very different from those supposed to be relevant for the formation of relief units. Dunes and Holocene fillings are highly erodible by splash and interrill erosion. In contrast, Quaternary loam terraces show a low susceptibility to erosion processes. We conclude that the relief units show very different dominances of erosion processes and process intensities. The differentiation is more significant with increasing scale and complexity of the erosion process: The extent of gully growth varies much more between the different units than those of splash and interrill erosion do.

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