Inherent relationship of the USLE,RUSLE topographic factor algorithms and its impact on soil erosion modelling |
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| Authors: | Nikolaos Efthimiou Evdoxia Lykoudi Emmanouil Psomiadis |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Praha, Czech Republic efthimiounik@yahoo.com;3. School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Geological Sciences, National Technical University of Athens , Athens, Greece;4. Department of Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Engineering, Laboratory of Mineralogy and Geology, Agricultural University of Athens , Athens, Greece |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The accurate representation of the Earth’s surface plays a vital role in soil erosion modelling. Topography is parameterized in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Revised USLE (RUSLE) by the topographic (LS) factor. For slope gradients of < 20%, soil loss values are similar for both models, but when the gradient is increased, RUSLE estimates are only half of those of USLE. The study aims to assess the validity of this statement for complex hillslope profiles. To that end, both models were applied at eight diverse mountainous sub-watersheds. The USLE and RUSLE indices were estimated utilizing the SEAGIS model and a European dataset, respectively. LS factors were in a 3:1 ratio (i.e. USLE:RUSLE) considering the entire basin area. For areas with slopes <20%, gross erosion estimates of both models converged. Sites of strong relief (>20%) USLE yielded significantly higher values than RUSLE. |
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| Keywords: | soil erosion USLE RUSLE LS factor topography northwestern Greece |
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