Application of physiographic soil erosion–deposition model in estimating sediment flushing efficiency of empty storage

In this study, we developed a physiographic soil erosion–deposition model to simulate sediment yield from a watershed into Agongdian reservoir and sediment flushing to estimate the efficiency of empty flushing. The model was verified using data related to Typhoons Morakot and Fanapi. Thereafter, we calculated the sediment flushing efficiency of empty storage under the conditions of 1- and 2-day storms with seven return periods. The simulated results revealed that the amount of sediment yield from Joushui River watershed was approximately 70% on average, whereas that from Wanglai River watershed was approximately 30%. These results are consistent with those of a government research report, which suggested that the sediment yield figures from Joushui and Wanglai River watersheds were 72 and 28%, respectively. Furthermore, the efficiency of empty flushing was more than 55% when using the shaft spillway pipe, suggesting that the model can be applied to estimate sediment yield and flushing efficiency.     

Estimating of water erosion in semiarid regions using RUSLE equation under GIS environment

Water erosion is one of the main forms of land degradation in Algeria, with a serious repercussion on agricultural productivity. The purpose of this study is to estimate the soil loss of Wadi El-Ham watershed in the center of Algeria, this study aims also to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) under a Geographic Information System in this field. The RUSLE model involves the main factors of erosion phenomena, namely, rain aggressiveness, soil erodibility, topographic factor, land cover index and the anti-erosive practices factor. Using this approach, the specific erosion in Wadi El-Ham watershed is estimated as 5.7 (t/ha/yr) in the entire watershed area. This result is compared to the measured suspended sediment at the Rocade-Sud gauging station situated outlet the watershed. These data consist of 1293 instantaneous measures of the water discharge and the suspended sediment concentration recorded during 21 years. Through this comparison, the used approach of RUSLE under GIS estimates the soil loss in Wadi El-Ham in Hodna region of Algeria with an error of 7.5%. Consequently, the results obtained in cartographic format make it possible to target the areas requiring priority action for a larger scale analysis to find appropriate solutions to combat erosion and to protect the natural environment.     

Erosion potential assessment of watersheds through GIS<Emphasis Type="Bold">-</Emphasis>based hypsometric analysis: a case study of Kurram Tangi Dam

Sediment discharge due to soil and rock erosion within the watersheds is the major cause of siltation in water reservoirs. Siltation in reservoirs reduces the capacity for power production, irrigation water supply, and other domestic purposes. Hypsometric analysis has widely been used to identifying the geomorphic development stages (stabilized, equilibrium, and un-stable) to assess the erosion proneness of watersheds. In this study, watershed of Kurram Tangi Dam and its four sub-watersheds (SWs) were considered to determine their sediment discharge capacity through hypsometric analysis. The boundaries of watershed and sub-watersheds were delineated from Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The hypsometric parameters i.e., hypsometric integral (HI) and curves were generated using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The HI values of SW-1 (0.41) and SW-2 (0.36) indicated that these two SWs were relatively more prone to erosion and contributed higher sediment discharge in Dam siltation. The results were validated through sampling the main drainage channel (Kurram River) to determine the sediment concentration at 12 sites during summer, winter, and spring seasons. Comparison of HI and sediment concentration of SWs presented high correlation (R²?=?0.87). The results emphasized the effective watershed management, extensive afforestation, and construction of silt-control structures at appropriate locations in sub-watersheds. This will ultimately maintain the water and power generation capacity as well as extending the life span of the Dam.     

Morphometric evaluation of Papanasam and Manimuthar watersheds,parts of Western Ghats,Tirunelveli district,Tamil Nadu,India: a GIS approach

A morphometric analysis was carried out to describe the topography and drainage characteristics of Papanasam and Manimuthar watersheds. These watersheds are part of Western Ghats, which is an ecologically sensitive region. The drainage areas of Papanasam and Manimuthar watersheds are 163 and 211 km², respectively and they show patterns of dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage. The slope of both watersheds varied from 0° to 59° and 0° to 55°, respectively. Moreover, the slope variation is chiefly controlled by the local geology and erosion cycles. Each watershed was classified as a fifth-order drainage basin. The stream order of the basin was predominantly controlled by physiographic and structural conditions. The increase in stream length ratio from lower to higher order suggests that the study area has reached a mature geomorphic stage. The development of stream segments is affected by rainfall and local lithology of the watersheds.     

Estimation of soil erosion rates in a subtropical mountain watershed using 137Cs radionuclide

The formulation of watershed management strategies to protect water resources threatened by soil erosion and sedimentation requires a thorough understanding of sediment sources and factors that drive soil movement in the watershed. This paper describes a study of medium-term water-driven soil erosion rates in a mountainous watershed of the Shihmen Reservoir in Taiwan. A total of 60 sampling sites were selected along a hillslope. At each sampling site, the inventory ¹³⁷Cs activity was determined and then calculated with the diffusion and migration model to derive soil erosion rates. The rates are one to two orders of magnitude lower than estimates using the Universal Soil Loss Equation, a soil erosion model often used in Taiwan. Results of multiple regression analysis indicate that the spatial variability of soil erosion rates is associated with the relative position of a sampling site to the nearest ridge and soil bulk densities (r ² = 0.33, p < 0.01). Finally, the patterns of soil redistribution rates on the hillslope follow the ¹³⁷Cs hillslope model as soil erosion increases in the downslope direction. No deposition site is found at footslope because soil deposition is swept away by regular flooding along the stream channel. This study is an important first step in using ¹³⁷Cs as a tracer of soil redistribution in mountainous watersheds of Taiwan.     

Evaluation of sediment yield and soil loss by the MPSIAC model using GIS at Golestan watershed, northeast of Iran

Watershed degradation due to soil erosion and sedimentation is considered to be one of the major environmental problems in Iran. In order to address the critical conditions of watershed degradation in arid and semiarid regions, a study based on the Modified Pacific Southwest Inter-Agency Committee (MPSIAC) model was carried out at Golestan watershed, northeast of Iran. The model information layers comprising nine effective factors in erosion and sedimentation at the watershed site were obtained by digitalization and spatial interpolation of the basic information data in a GIS program. These factors are geology, soil, climate, runoff, topography, land cover, land use, channel, and upland erosion. The source data for the model were obtained from available records on rainfall and river discharge and sediment, topography, land use, geology, and soil maps as well as field surveys and laboratory analysis. The results of the MPSIAC model indicated that 60.75 % (194.4 km²) and 54.97 % (175.9 km²) of the total watershed area were classified in the heavy sedimentation and erosion classes, and the total basin sediment yield and erosion were calculated as 4,171.1 and 17,813.4 m³ km^?2 year^?1, respectively. In the sensitivity analysis, it was found that the most sensitive parameters of the model in order of importance were topography (slope), land cover and use, runoff, and channel erosion (R ²?=?0.92–0.94), while geology, climate (rainfall), soil, and upland erosion factors were found to have moderate effect to the model output (R ²?=?0.74–0.59).     

GIS based morphometric evaluation of Chimmini and Mupily watersheds, parts of Western Ghats, Thrissur District, Kerala, India

GIS and Remote Sensing have proved to be an indispensible tool in morphometric analysis. The identification of morphometric properties based on a geographic information system (GIS) was carried out in two watersheds in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. These watersheds are parts of Western Ghats, which is an ecologically sensitive area. Quantitative geomorphometric analysis was carried out for the Chimmini and Mupily watersheds independently by estimating their (a) linear aspects like stream number, stream order, stream length, mean stream length, stream length ratio, bifurcation ratio, length of overland flow, drainage pattern (b) aerial aspects like circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, drainage density and (c) relief aspects like basin relief, relief ratio, relative relief and ruggedness number. The drainage areas of Chimmini and Mupily watersheds are 140 and 122 km² respectively and show patterns of dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage. The Chimmini watershed was classified as a sixth order drainage basin, whereas Mupily watershed was classified as a fifth order basin. The stream order of the basin was predominantly controlled by physiographic and structural conditions. The increase in the stream length ratio from lower to higher order suggests that the study area has reached a mature geomorphic stage. The development of stream segments is affected by rainfall and local lithology of the watersheds. The slope of both watersheds varied from 0° to 50° and 0° to 42° respectively and the slope variation is chiefly controlled by the local geology and erosion cycles. Moreover, these studies are useful for planning rain water harvesting and watershed management.     

Assessing the influence of watershed characteristics on soil erosion susceptibility of Jhelum basin in Kashmir Himalayas

Soil erosion, a serious environmental problem, is a global challenge. Once a portion of a fertile soil is lost, it is very difficult to replace it, and this leads to decrease in crop production, damage to drainage networks, and siltation of dams and reservoirs. Human practices like intensive agriculture, overgrazing, and deforestation have intensified the rate of soil erosion all over the world. The Jhelum basin which forms the north-western part of the complex mountain system Himalayas is not only highly vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods but is also highly susceptible to soil erosion. There is an immediate need to device strategies to reduce adverse impacts of soil erosion and to conserve natural resources like soil, water, and forests by means of proper watershed management programs in the Himalayan region. The present study is carried out for eight upper watersheds of Jhelum basin, an area which are facing serious issues like boulder extraction, deforestation, and unplanned urbanization. The present work demonstrates the use of morphometry, land use, and slope coupled with the multicriteria analytical (MCA) framework to estimate the soil erosion susceptibility of these watersheds using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System techniques. The present study revealed that out of eight upper watersheds, Arapal, Lidder, and Bringi fall in high priority and need immediate attention and measures to reduce soil erosion in the area. Sandran, Rembiara, and Romshii fall in medium priority. Kuthar and Vishav fall in the low-priority category and are least susceptible to soil erosion.     

Suspended sediment dynamics in the Amazon River of Peru

The erosion and transport of sediments allow us to understand many activities of significance, such as crust evolution, climate change, uplift rates, continental processes, the biogeochemical cycling of pollutants and nutrients. The Amazon basin of Peru has contrasting physiographic and climatic characteristics between the Andean piedmont and the plains and between the north and south of the basin which is why there are 8 gauging stations located along the principal rivers of the Andean piedmont (Marañón, Huallaga, Ucayali) and the plain (Marañón, Tigre, Napo, Ucayali and Amazon rivers). Since 2003, the ORE-Hybam (IRD-SENAMHI-UNALM) observatory has performed out regular measurements at strategic points of the Amazon basin to understand and model the systems, behavior and long-term dynamics. On the Andean piedmont, the suspended yields are governed by a simple model with a relationship between the river discharge and the sediment concentration. In the plain, the dilution effect of the concentrations can create hysteresis in this relationship on a monthly basis. The Amazon basin of Peru has a sediment yield of 541 *10⁶ t year⁻¹, 70% comes from the southern basin.     

基于Erlang分布蓄水容量曲线的流域产流模型

蓄水容量曲线是反映流域缺水量空间分布不均匀性的特征曲线,对流域产流计算有直接影响。通过对多个典型流域蓄水容量空间分布的分析,发现Erlang分布能更好地拟合流域的蓄水容量曲线,进一步基于Erlang分布进行流域产流的推导,提出了基于Erlang分布蓄水容量曲线的流域产流模型。应用结果表明,基于Erlang分布的流域产流模型,增加了模型的适应性,模拟结果更接近流域实际的产流过程,比新安江模型能取得更高的模拟精度。此外,该产流模型的参数可由流域地形和土壤类型数据估算,为无资料地区的产流计算提供了一种可行的途径。     

Effect of spatial scale on suspended sediment concentration in flood season in hilly loess region on the Loess Plateau in China

Suspended sediment concentration is a major variable influencing soil erosion and loss, study on which at different spatial scales is of great meaning to understand soil erosion mechanism and sediment transport process. Based on data from 4 sloping surfaces and 7 basins ranging from 0.0003 to 187 km² in area, the suspended sediment concentration in flood season (SSC) with drainage area is studied. With increasing drainage area on the slope surfaces, the mean suspended sediment concentration in flood season (MSSC) enhances continuously until a peak value of 685 kg m⁻³ occurs at the whole slope surface No. 7 runoff plot resulting from harder and harder erosion forms downslope. Entering basin systems, the diluted action of subsurface water on the toeslope on MSSC and small water flow power Ω make a minimum MSSC value of 568 kg m⁻³ occur in the first-order basin system Tuanshangou basin at an area of 0.18 km², and then from Tuanshangou basin to larger basins, the positive feedback function among drainage density, water flow energy, and hyperconcentrated flow as well as its reduction of settling velocity of coarser particles generates continuously increasing MSSC with drainage area.     

Geomorphic considerations for erosion prediction

 Current soil-erosion prediction technology addresses processes of rainsplash, overland-flow sediment transport, and rill erosion in small watersheds. The effects of factors determining sediment yield from larger-scale drainage basins, in which sediment movement is controlled by the combined small-scale processes and a complex set of channel and other basin-scale sediment-delivery processes, such as soil creep, bioturbation, and accelerated erosion due to denudation of vegetation, have been poorly evaluated. General suggestions are provided for the development of erosion-prediction technology at the geomorphic or drainage-basin scale based on the separation of sediment-yield data for channel and geomorphic processes from those of field-scale soil loss. An emerging technology must consider: (1) the effects on sediment yield of climate, geology and soils, topography, biotic interactions with other soil processes, and land-use practices; (2) all processes of sediment delivery to a channel system; and (3) the general tendency in most drainage basins for progressively greater sediment storage in the downstream direction. Received: 8 November 1995 · Accepted: 20 November 1995     

流域产沙模型的研究

由坡面泥沙颗粒的动力平衡条件,推导出坡面上细颗粒泥沙的起动切应力,由坡面径流的剩余输沙能力,导得坡面径流的侵蚀量计算公式,与文献[4]的雨滴溅蚀量计算公式一起,构成了概念清楚、过程明确、结构完整的流域产沙模型。产沙量取决于水流挟沙能力与可供沙量的对比关系,若水流挟沙能力小于供沙量,则产沙量等于水流挟沙能力;反之,水流将进一步冲刷表土,形成径流侵蚀,产沙量就等于供沙量与径流侵蚀量之和。据此,可计算出坡面和流域产沙量。模型在岔巴沟流域上应用,结果令人满意。     

Runoff and sediment yield modeling using SWAT model: case of Wadi Hatab basin,central Tunisia

This study presents an application of the model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate daily and monthly water flow and sediment fluxes in the Wadi Hatab watershed (2200 km²) located in central Tunisia. The study basin is characterized by a significant climatic contrast, abrupt topography, and soil fragility, resulting thereby in flash floods and important water erosion rates. This alarming situation requires urgent interventions in order to preserve water and soil resources, implying the need for a decision tool for proper integrated management of the watershed. The model was calibrated and validated based on a comparison of simulated and observed flow rates at the basin outlet (hydrometric station Khanguet Zazia), during the periods 1987–1988 and 1989–1990, respectively. The comparison was based not only on visual inspection of the agreement between observed and simulated time series, but also on statistical parameters. Indeed, for the daily time step application, the Nash—Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values were 0.52 and 0.61, and the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.54 and 0.61 for calibration and validation, respectively. As for the monthly time-step application, the obtained NSE values were 0.67 and 0.89 while R² values were 0.83 and 0.87 for calibration and validation, respectively. This clearly shows the reasonably good agreement between simulated and observed flow rates. In terms of erosion, the model gave sediment yield values ??of 1.15 and 5.37 t/ha/year during the periods of calibration and validation, respectively.     

Identifying sediment sources from the inter-gully area and gully area in a small watershed in the Loess Hilly Region of China

Understanding the sediment source is very significant for erosion control in small watersheds. On the Loess Plateau of China, over 110 thousands of check dams were constructed in the past 60 years, which played an important role in controlling soil loss and also kept much information of erosion and sediment yield in the past. The objective of this investigation is to identify the sediment source by the ¹³⁷Cs tracing method in a small watershed in the Loess Hilly Region of China. Fifty-five sampling sites were selected from the watershed (44 from the inter-gully area, 7 from the gully sides and 4 from the reference sites), and a total of 114 soil samples were collected from three sediment profile cores at the Sidizui watershed check dam constructed in 1959. Based on the erosion rate from the inter-gully area by the ¹³⁷Cs models, and the total erosion amount deposited in the check dam since 1963, the relative contributions of sediment from the inter-gully area and gully area were estimated during 1963–2013. By comparing the difference of ¹³⁷Cs activities of surface soils from the check dam (deposited in the 2011–2013 flood events), the inter-gully and gully areas, the relative contributions of sediment derived from the two source areas to the flood sediment during recent years (2011–2013) were estimated by a simple mixing model. Results showed that the erosion rate from the inter-gully area was about 3054 t/km² a during 1963–2013, and the relative contributions of sediment from the inter-gully area and gully area were estimated to be 27 and 73%, respectively. The sediment from the inter-gully area was about 20% of the total sediment yield amount to the 2011–2013 floods, and from the gully area it was about 80%. The relative contribution of sediment from the inter-gully or gully area was not a fixed value in the watershed. Both of the inter-gully erosion and gully erosion should be simultaneously controlled, and more erosion control measures on the gully area should be taken in the subsequent watershed management in order to reduce the erosion amount in this region.     

径流驱动土壤分离过程的影响因素及机制研究进展

土壤侵蚀包括土壤分离、泥沙输移和泥沙沉积3个子过程,研究这些过程发生、发展的水力、地形、土壤及地表特性等临界条件及各过程间相互影响、相互制约的机制,是建立土壤侵蚀过程模型继而准确预报土壤侵蚀的基础。为加强对径流驱动土壤分离过程的认识,推动土壤侵蚀过程与机理的研究,从径流水动力学特性、土壤特性、近地表特性、土壤分离过程的时空变异特性等方面对径流驱动的土壤分离过程影响因素及机制进行了总结和梳理,在此基础上,从土壤分离过程研究的时空尺度、土壤分离过程的动力学机制、细沟发育及其形态特征、网络结构对土壤分离过程的影响机制、土壤分离与泥沙输移的耦合机制、土壤分离测定方法与标准、土壤侵蚀阻力参数获取与预报等方面,展望了该领域有待深化的问题及今后的发展方向。     

Remote sensing and GIS based comparative morphometric study of two sub-watershed of different physiographic conditions,West Godavari District,A.P.

In this present study, Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques were used to update drainage and surface water bodies and to evaluate linear, relief and aerial morphometric parameters of the two sub-watersheds viz. Jilugumilli and Regulapadu in the northern part of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The area of Jilugumilli and Regulapadu watersheds spread over about 110 & 80 sq. km respectively. The morphometric analysis of the drainage networks of Regulapadu and Jilugumilli sub-watersheds exhibit sub-dendritic and sub parallel drainage pattern. The variation in stream length ratio changes due to change in slope and topography. It was inferred from the study that the streams are in a mature stage in Regulapadu and Jilugumilli watersheds, which indicated the geomorphic development. The variations in bifurcation ratio values among the sub-watersheds are described with respect to topography and geometric development. The stream frequencies for both sub-watersheds exhibit positive correlation with the drainage density, indicating increase in stream population with respect to increase in drainage density. The Jilugumilli watershed has a coarse drainage texture and Regulapadu sub-watershed is a fine drainage texture in nature. In the present study an attempt has been made to analyse the morphometric analysis of two sub-watersheds under different physiographic conditions. Morphometric analysis is one of the essential analyses required for development and management of watershed.     

坡面土壤侵蚀公式的建立及其在流域产沙计算中的应用

分析了坡面土壤颗粒的受力情况,认为坡面土壤颗粒的运动与其所受的有效切应力有关,从而推导出坡面土壤侵蚀量计算公式,建立了流域产沙模型。公式的推导具有较强的泥沙运动力学基础,反映了影响流域产沙的主要因素。模型参数少,应用方便,既可计算一次洪水产沙量,又可计算年产沙量。在陕北裴家峁流域上应用,结果令人满意。     

Sediment yield assessment at basin scale using geospatial technique

Soil erosion and sediment yield from catchments are key limitations to achieving sustainable land use and maintaining water quality in nature. One of the important aspects in protecting the watershed is evaluation of sediment produced by statistical methods. Controlling sediment loading in protecting the watershed requires knowledge of soil erosion and sedimentation. Sediment yield is usually not available as a direct measurement but is estimated using geospatial models. One of the geospatial models for estimating sediment yield at the basin scale is sediment delivery ratio (SDR). The present study investigates the spatial SDR model in determining the sediment yield rate considering climate and physical factors of basin in geographic information system environment. This new approach was developed and tested on the Amammeh catchments in Iran. The validation of the model was evaluated using the Nash Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient. The developed model is not only conceptually easy and well suited to the local data needs but also requires less parameter, which offers less uncertainty in its application while meeting the intended purpose. The model is developed based on local data. The results predict strong variations in SDR from 0 in to 70 % in the uplands of the Basin.     

贵州退耕还林以来土壤侵蚀的时空变化及与降水关系

用变差系数作为衡量其变化幅度大小的指标,运用二元定序变量的Spearman相关分析方法,对贵州省2000年退耕还林以来的河流输沙量、输沙模数和泥沙含量的时空变化与降水量的关系进行了分析。结果表明:贵州省退耕还林以来,河流的输沙量、输沙模数与含沙量均呈减少的趋势,三者的年际变化幅度比较小,但是比其降水量的变化幅度大;从空间差异看,贵州长江流域多年的平均输沙量、输沙模数和河流含沙量比贵州珠江流域的大,而河流输沙量、输沙模数与含沙量的年际变化幅度则比贵州珠江流域的小;贵州的输沙量与降水量的Spearman相关系数为0.897,关系密切,其回归统计方程模型为y=x1.223。