Application of a modified distributed-dynamic erosion and sediment yield model in a typical watershed of a hilly and gully region, Chinese Loess Plateau
Soil erosion not only results in the destruction of land resources and the decline of soil fertility, but also contributes to river channel sedimentation. In order to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of erosion and sediment yield before and after returning farmland in a typical watershed of the...
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2016-11-01
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Series: | Solid Earth |
Online Access: | http://www.solid-earth.net/7/1577/2016/se-7-1577-2016.pdf |
Summary: | Soil erosion not only results in the destruction of land
resources and the decline of soil fertility, but also contributes to river
channel sedimentation. In order to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of
erosion and sediment yield before and after returning farmland in a typical
watershed of the hilly and gully region (Chinese Loess Plateau), a
distributed-dynamic model of sediment yield based on the Chinese Soil Loss
Equation (CSLE) was established and modified to assess the effects of
hydrological factors and human activities on erosion and sediment yield
between 1995 and 2013. Results indicate that (1) the modified model has the
characteristics of a simple algorithm, high accuracy, wide practicability and
easy expansion, and can be applied to predict erosion and sediment yield in
the study area, (2) soil erosion gradations are closely related to the
spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity and land use patterns, and the
current soil and water conservation measures are not efficient for high
rainfall intensities, and (3) the average sediment yield rate before and
after model modification in the most recent 5 years (in addition to 2013) is
4574.62 and 1696.1 Mg km<sup>−2</sup>, respectively, decreasing by about 35.4 and
78.2 % when compared to the early governance (1995–1998). However, in
July 2013 the once-in-a-century storm is the most important reason for
maximum sediment yield. Results may provide an effective and scientific basis
for soil and water conservation planning and ecological construction of the
hilly and gully region, Chinese Loess Plateau. |
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ISSN: | 1869-9510 1869-9529 |