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| Titel |
Can we adapt RUSLE to soil erosion modelling of Alpine regions? |
| VerfasserIn |
Katrin Meusburger, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell |
| Konferenz |
EGU General Assembly 2014
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| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| Digitales Dokument |
PDF |
| Erschienen |
In: GRA - Volume 16 (2014) |
| Datensatznummer |
250094473
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| Publikation (Nr.) |
 EGU/EGU2014-9882.pdf |
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| Zusammenfassung |
| Modelled soil erosion estimates for Alpine regions are often contradictory, not only with
respect to the absolute rates but also regarding the spatial pattern. The empirical
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which predicts the average annual
soil loss through simple multiplication of 5 soil erosion risk factors, is still most
frequently used at large spatial scales. The model was chosen since its complexity
meets the low data availability in Alpine regions. However, the model was originally
developed for lowland arable regions and the empirical foundation of the RUSLE
restricts the transferability to other environments. In this study, we evaluate the
single RUSLE factors regarding their applicability for Alpine regions and future
research needs will be discussed. The evaluation will be based on the comparison of
modelled with measured (137Cs, sediment traps and rainfall simulation) soil erosion
rates.
Regarding rainfall erosivity, Alpine areas are characterised by a distinct seasonal
variability with high values during the summer season. Snow-fall is not considered as
an erosive force, however, subsequent snow-melt and probably more important
snow-movement can increase the erosivity again. Our data shows, that a reduction of the
vegetation cover exponentially increases soil loss. Consequently, the percentage of
vegetation cover should be incorporated in the assessment of the RUSLE vegetation
factor (C-factor), which can be achieved through high resolution satellite imagery.
Further, the topography factor (LS) is of crucial importance. We propose to calculate
the L-factor based on a digital elevation model with 2 m resolution and a multiple
flow algorithm. Preliminary data to adapt the S-factor for steeper slopes will be
presented.
We conclude that the RUSLE seems to be a good starting point to assess relative differences
of soil erosion risk in Alpine areas if model parameters are adapted to mountain conditions. |
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