| Rainfall erosion depends on the erosive power of rain and the susceptibility of the soil to that
erosive power. In the RUSLE, the erosive power of rain is related to the product of storm
kinetic energy and the maximum 30 minute rainfall intensity. RUSLE Soil Erodibility values
calculated from soil properties do not vary with geographic variations in climate.
Detachment by raindrops impacting flows is directly related to raindrop kinetic energy or,
alternative momentum. Transport equations develop for open channel flow apply to
sediment transport by rain-impacted flows. All eroded particles travel across the soil
surface at the same rate. Concepts such as those mentioned here have been used in
studies and modeling of rainfall erosion. This paper will present and discuss the
issues related to some of concepts relevant to rainfall erosion research and models. |