Field experiments for understanding and quantification of rill erosion processes

Experiments in Earth surface process research

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

WIRTZ, S.

Dep. of Physical Geography, Univ., Trier, Allemagne

SEEGER, M.

Dep. of Land Degradation and Development, Univ., Wageningen, Pays-Bas

RIES, J.B.

Dep. of Physical Geography, Univ., Trier, Allemagne

Description :
This paper presents the results of rill experiments accomplished in Andalusia (at Negratin, Freila, Salada and Belerda) in September 2008 using a novel experimental set up. Rill cross sections, slope values, flow velocities and sediment concentrations were measured and these values were used to calculate sediment detachment and transport. In rill experiments, 4 different natural rills were flooded with the same experimental setup. Several processes like transport of loose material, erosion, bank failure and knickpoint retreat and the runoff effectiveness showed different and variable intensities. The results suggest that the existing soil erosion equations based on shear forces exerted by the flowing water are not able to describe rill erosion processes satisfactory. Too many different processes with a high spatial and temporal variability are responsible for rill development.

Type de document :
Article de monographie

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2012, vol. 91, p. 21-34, nombre de pages : 14, Références bibliographiques : 83 ref.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais