Abstract
A mathematical model was developed for simulating runoff generation and soil erosion on hillslopes. The model is comprised of three modules: one for overland flow, one for soil infiltration, and one for soil erosion including rill erosion and interrill erosion. Rainfall and slope characteristics affecting soil erosion on hillslopes were analysed. The model results show that the slope length and gradient, time distribution rainfall, and distribution of rills have varying influence on soil erosion. Erosion rate increases nonlinearly with increase in the slope length; a long slope length leads to more serious erosion. The effect of the slope gradient on soil erosion can be both positive and negative. Thus, there exists a critical slope gradient for soil erosion, which is about 45° for uthe rate of erosion at the end of the slope and about 25° for the accumulated erosion.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 469-486 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Hydrological Processes |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Feb 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Erosion characteristics
- Hillslope
- Interrill erosion
- Overland flow
- Rill erosion
- Soil erosion model
- Soil infiltration