| The computation of the erosion index (EI), which is basic to the
determination of the rainfall-runoff erosivity factor R of the Revised Universal Soil
Loss Equation (RUSLE), is tedious and time-consuming and requires a continuous record of
rainfall intensity. In this study, a power equation(r2 = 0.867) involving annual
erosion index (EI30-annual) in the Mediterranean part of Italy is obtained.
Data from 12 raingauge stations are used to derive and then test a regional relationship for
estimating the erosion index from only three rainfall parameters. Erosivity rainfall data
derived from 5 additional stations are used for validation and critical examination. The
empirical procedures give results which compare satisfactorily with relationships calibrated
elsewhere.
Keywords: erosion index, rainfall, erosivity, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation |