DOCSLIB.ORG

Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control Authors: International Hydrological Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean Peter F. Ffolliott Kenneth N. Brooks Daniel G. Neary Roberto Pizarro Tapia PHI-VII / Documento Técnico N° 32 Pablo García Chevesich Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes, Prevention, and Control Authors Peter F. Ffolliott, Professor Emeritus School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona Kenneth N. Brooks, Professor Emeritus Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota Daniel G. Neary, Soil Scientist Rocky Mountain Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Flagstaff, Arizona Roberto Pizarro Tapia, Director Centro Tecnológico de Hidrología Ambiental Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile Pablo Garcia-Chevesich, Researcher Environment, Environmental Service, and Water Government of Chile Published in 2013 by the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of the Regional Office for Science for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO). ISBN 978-92-9089-190-1- Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control Documento Técnico del PHI-LAC, Nº 32 © UNESCO 2013 The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publications do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this book and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part form for education or nonprofit use, without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. As a courtesy the authors should be informed of any use made of their work. This publication should be cited as: UNESCO, 2013. Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control. Peter F. Ffolliott, Daniel G. Neary, Kenneth N. Brooks, Roberto Pizarro Tapia, Pablo García Chevesich, Documentos Técnicos del PHI-LAC, N° 32 Free copies of this publication should be requested to: Programa Hidrológico Internacional para Facultad de Ciencias Forestales América Latina y el Caribe (PHI-LAC) Universidad de Talca Oficina Regional de Ciencia para Avenida Lircay S/N América Latina y el Caribe Talca, Chile UNESCO Tel.: 56 71 200 442 / 200 440 Dr. Luis P. Piera 1992, 2º piso Fax: 56 71 200 455 / 428 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay http://www.cienciasforestales.cl Tel.: 598 2413 2075 Fax: 598 2413 2094 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.unesco.org.uy/phi CONTENTS Chapter One - INTRODUCTION 1. Losses of Soil Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 7 2. The Purpose of This Publication ........................................................................................................................... 7 3. Organization of the Publication ............................................................................................................................. 8 4. References ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Part I SOIL EROSION PROCESSES, PREVENTION, CONTROL Chapter Two - SURFACE EROSION 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 2. Processes ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 3. Measurement of Surface Erosion .......................................................................................................................... 10 3.1. Erosion Plots .................................................................................................................................................. 10 3.2. Erosion Pins or Stakes .................................................................................................................................. 11 3.3. Natural Landscape Features.......................................................................................................................... 11 4. Prediction of Soil Loss .......................................................................................................................................... 11 4.1. Universal Soil Loss Equation........................................................................................................................ 11 4.1.1. Rainfall Erosivity Factor..................................................................................................................... 12 4.1.2. Soil Erodibility Factor ........................................................................................................................ 13 4.1.3. Slope Length and Slope Gradient Factors .......................................................................................... 14 4.1.4. Cropping Management Factor ............................................................................................................ 14 4.1.5. Erosion Control Practice Factor ......................................................................................................... 15 4.2. Modification of the Universal Soil Loss Equation ....................................................................................... 15 4.3. Soil Loss and Conservation Planning ........................................................................................................... 16 4.4. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation.......................................................................................................... 16 4.5. Water Erosion Prediction Project Model ..................................................................................................... 17 5. Prevention of Surface Erosion ............................................................................................................................... 17 6. Control of Surface Erosion .................................................................................................................................... 18 6.1. Vegetative Measures .................................................................................................................................... 18 6.2. Mechanical Methods .................................................................................................................................... 18 6.3. Minimizing Impacts of Roads ..................................................................................................................... 19 7. Cumulative Effects on Surface Erosion ................................................................................................................ 19 8. Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 9. References ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Chapter Three GULLY EROSION 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 23 2. Processes ............................................................................................................................................................. 23 3. Prevention of Gully Erosion .................................................................................................................................. 24 3 Soil Erosion and Sediment Production on Watershed Landscapes: Processes and Control 4. Control of Gully Erosion ....................................................................................................................................... 24 4.1. Establishment of Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 24 4.2. Mechanical Methods .................................................................................................................................... 25 4.2.1. Check Dams ....................................................................................................................................... 25 4.2.2. Headcut Control ................................................................................................................................. 26 4.2.3. Vegetation-Lined Waterways ............................................................................................................. 27 5. Cumulative Effects on Gully Erosion ................................................................................................................... 27 6. Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 28 7. References
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Analysis of Streamflow Variability and Trends in the Meta River, Colombia
    water Article Analysis of Streamflow Variability and Trends in the Meta River, Colombia Marco Arrieta-Castro 1, Adriana Donado-Rodríguez 1, Guillermo J. Acuña 2,3,* , Fausto A. Canales 1,* , Ramesh S. V. Teegavarapu 4 and Bartosz Ka´zmierczak 5 1 Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, Barranquilla 080002, Atlántico, Colombia; [email protected] (M.A.-C.); [email protected] (A.D.-R.) 2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Instituto de Estudios Hidráulicos y Ambientales, Universidad del Norte, Km.5 Vía Puerto Colombia, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia 3 Programa de Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Escuela de Ciencias Exactas e Ingeniería (ECEI), Calle 74 #14-14, Bogotá D.C. 110221, Colombia 4 Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; [email protected] 5 Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] (F.A.C.); [email protected] (G.J.A.); Tel.: +57-5-3362252 (F.A.C.) Received: 29 March 2020; Accepted: 13 May 2020; Published: 20 May 2020 Abstract: The aim of this research is the detection and analysis of existing trends in the Meta River, Colombia, based on the streamflow records from seven gauging stations in its main course, for the period between June 1983 to July 2019. The Meta River is one of the principal branches of the Orinoco River, and it has a high environmental and economic value for this South American country.
    [Show full text]
  • Stream Discharge (Streamflow)
    The Importance of Streamflow in California’s Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains Kings River Experimental Watersheds Because 55 to 65 percent of California’s developed water comes from small streams in the Sierra Nevada, it is important to under- stand the role the snowpack has in the distribution and quantity of stream discharge (streamflow). In the southern Sierra, more than 80 percent of precipitation falls December through April. However, owing to the delay in snowmelt, there is a lag in runoff until the spring. At higher elevation sites, the spring melt does not peak until May or even June. This makes mountain water available to California during the summer months. The Kings River Experi- mental Watersheds (KREW) sites demonstrate that precipitation in the form of snow generates greater yearly discharge in a given watershed. The difference in discharge between the KREW Provi- dence site and Bull site is as much as 20 percent per year. C. Hunsaker Research Area Figure 1—KREW’s double flume system. The large flume KREW is a watershed-level, integrated ecosystem project for (background) accurately captures high flows, and the small flume headwater streams in the Sierra Nevada. Eight watersheds at two is successful at measuring lower base flows. study sites are fully instrumented to monitor ecosystem changes. Stream discharge data, just one component of the project, have been collected since 2002 from the Providence site and since 2003 from the Bull site. What is Stream Discharge? Discharge is the amount of water leaving each watershed within the stream channel. It is represented as a rate of flow such as cubic feet per second (cfs), gallons per minute (gpm), or acre-feet per year.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesson 4: Sediment Deposition and River Structures
    LESSON 4: SEDIMENT DEPOSITION AND RIVER STRUCTURES ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What combination of factors both natural and manmade is necessary for healthy river restoration and how does this enhance the sustainability of natural and human communities? GUIDING QUESTION: As rivers age and slow they deposit sediment and form sediment structures, how are sediments and sediment structures important to the river ecosystem? OVERVIEW: The focus of this lesson is the deposition and erosional effects of slow-moving water in low gradient areas. These “mature rivers” with decreasing gradient result in the settling and deposition of sediments and the formation sediment structures. The river’s fast-flowing zone, the thalweg, causes erosion of the river banks forming cliffs called cut-banks. On slower inside turns, sediment is deposited as point-bars. Where the gradient is particularly level, the river will branch into many separate channels that weave in and out, leaving gravel bar islands. Where two meanders meet, the river will straighten, leaving oxbow lakes in the former meander bends. TIME: One class period MATERIALS: . Lesson 4- Sediment Deposition and River Structures.pptx . Lesson 4a- Sediment Deposition and River Structures.pdf . StreamTable.pptx . StreamTable.pdf . Mass Wasting and Flash Floods.pptx . Mass Wasting and Flash Floods.pdf . Stream Table . Sand . Reflection Journal Pages (printable handout) . Vocabulary Notes (printable handout) PROCEDURE: 1. Review Essential Question and introduce Guiding Question. 2. Hand out first Reflection Journal page and have students take a minute to consider and respond to the questions then discuss responses and questions generated. 3. Handout and go over the Vocabulary Notes. Students will define the vocabulary words as they watch the PowerPoint Lesson.
    [Show full text]
  • Sandbridge Beach FONSI
    FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Issuance of a Negotiated Agreement for Use of Outer Continental Shelf Sand from Sandbridge Shoal in the Sandbridge Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Project Virginia Beach, Virginia Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508) and Department of the Interior (DOI) regulations implementing NEPA (43 CFR 46), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to determine whether the issuance of a negotiated agreement for the use of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand from Sandbridge Shoal Borrow Areas A and B for the Sandbridge Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Project near Virginia Beach, VA would have a significant effect on the human environment and whether an environmental impact statement (EIS) should be prepared. Several NEPA documents evaluating impacts of the project have been previously prepared by both the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and BOEM. The USACE described the affected environment, evaluated potential environmental impacts (initial construction and nourishment events), and considered alternatives to the proposed action in a 2009 EA. This EA was subsequently updated and adopted by BOEM in 2012 in association with the most recent 2013 Sandbridge nourishment effort (BOEM 2012). Prior to this, BOEM (previously Minerals Management Service [MMS]) was a cooperating agency on several EAs for previous projects (MMS 1997; MMS 2001; MMS 2006). This current EA, prepared by BOEM, supplements and summarizes the aforementioned 2012 analysis. BOEM has reviewed all prior analyses, supplemented additional information as needed, and determined that the potential impacts of the current proposed action have been adequately addressed.
    [Show full text]
  • From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information …From the National Streamflow Information Program
    From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information …from the National Streamflow Information Program This Fact Sheet is one in a series that highlights information or recent research findings from the USGS National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP). The investigations and scientific results reported in this series require a nationally consistent streamgaging network with stable long-term monitoring sites and a rigorous program of data, quality assurance, management, archiving, and synthesis. NSIP produces multipurpose, unbiased surface-water information that is readily accessible to all. Introduction Collecting and Transmitting data are stored in a data logger in Streamflow Information the gagehouse. As part of the National Stream- On a preset schedule, typically flow Information Program, the U.S. The streamflow information every 1 to 4 hours, the streamgage Geological Survey (USGS) operates collected at most streamgages transmits all the stage information more than 7,400 streamgages nation- is stream stage (also called gage recorded since the last transmission to wide to provide streamflow informa- height). This is the height of the a Geostationary Operational Envi- tion for a wide variety of uses. These water surface above a reference level ronmental Satellite (GOES). Many uses include prediction of floods, or datum. Stream stage is measured streamgages have predetermined management and allocation of water by a variety of methods including stage thresholds. When these thresh- resources, design and operation of floats, pressure transducers, and olds are exceeded, the time between engineering structures, scientific acoustic or optical sensors (fig. 1). transmissions to the satellite will research, operation of locks and Stage data are measured at the decrease from 1 to 4 hours to every dams, and for recreational safety and time interval necessary to monitor the 15 minutes to provide more timely enjoyment.
    [Show full text]
  • Distributed Hydrologic Modeling for Streamflow Prediction at Ungauged Basins
    Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2008 Distributed Hydrologic Modeling For Streamflow Prediction At Ungauged Basins Christina Bandaragoda Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons Recommended Citation Bandaragoda, Christina, "Distributed Hydrologic Modeling For Streamflow Prediction At Ungauged Basins" (2008). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 62. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/62 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. DISTRIBUTED HYDROLOGIC MODELING FOR STREAMFLOW PREDICTION AT UNGAUGED BASINS by Christina Bandaragoda A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Civil and Environmental Engineering UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, UT 2007 ii ABSTRACT Distributed Hydrologic Modeling for Prediction of Streamflow at Ungauged Basins by Christina Bandaragoda, Doctor of Philosophy Utah State University, 2008 Major Professor: Dr. David G. Tarboton Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering Hydrologic modeling and streamflow prediction of ungauged basins is an unsolved scientific problem as well as a policy-relevant science theme emerging as a major
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction and Characteristics of Flow
    Introduction and Characteristics of Flow By James W. LaBaugh and Donald O. Rosenberry Chapter 1 of Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water Edited by Donald O. Rosenberry and James W. LaBaugh Techniques and Methods Chapter 4–D2 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Contents Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................5 Purpose and Scope .......................................................................................................................................6 Characteristics of Water Exchange Between Surface Water and Ground Water .............................7 Characteristics of Near-Shore Sediments .......................................................................................8 Temporal and Spatial Variability of Flow .........................................................................................10 Defining the Purpose for Measuring the Exchange of Water Between Surface Water and Ground Water ..........................................................................................................................12 Determining Locations of Water Exchange ....................................................................................12 Measuring Direction of Flow ............................................................................................................15 Measuring the Quantity of Flow .......................................................................................................15
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5 Streamflow Data
    Part 630 Hydrology National Engineering Handbook Chapter 5 Streamflow Data (210–VI–NEH, Amend. 76, November 2015) Chapter 5 Streamflow Data Part 630 National Engineering Handbook Issued November 2015 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, em- ployees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disabil- ity, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Pro- gram Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/com- plaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adju- dication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected] Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877- 8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
    [Show full text]
  • Classifying Rivers - Three Stages of River Development
    Classifying Rivers - Three Stages of River Development River Characteristics - Sediment Transport - River Velocity - Terminology The illustrations below represent the 3 general classifications into which rivers are placed according to specific characteristics. These categories are: Youthful, Mature and Old Age. A Rejuvenated River, one with a gradient that is raised by the earth's movement, can be an old age river that returns to a Youthful State, and which repeats the cycle of stages once again. A brief overview of each stage of river development begins after the images. A list of pertinent vocabulary appears at the bottom of this document. You may wish to consult it so that you will be aware of terminology used in the descriptive text that follows. Characteristics found in the 3 Stages of River Development: L. Immoor 2006 Geoteach.com 1 Youthful River: Perhaps the most dynamic of all rivers is a Youthful River. Rafters seeking an exciting ride will surely gravitate towards a young river for their recreational thrills. Characteristically youthful rivers are found at higher elevations, in mountainous areas, where the slope of the land is steeper. Water that flows over such a landscape will flow very fast. Youthful rivers can be a tributary of a larger and older river, hundreds of miles away and, in fact, they may be close to the headwaters (the beginning) of that larger river. Upon observation of a Youthful River, here is what one might see: 1. The river flowing down a steep gradient (slope). 2. The channel is deeper than it is wide and V-shaped due to downcutting rather than lateral (side-to-side) erosion.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Soil Erosion? Soil Erosion by Wind Or Water Is the Physical Wearing Away of the Soil Surface
    Do you have a problem with: • Low yields • Time & expense to repair and gullies • Small rills and channels in your fields • Soil deposited at the base of slopes or along fence lines • Sediment in streams, lakes, and reservoirs Soil Erosion May be the Problem! Erosion from cropland What is soil erosion? Soil erosion by wind or water is the physical wearing away of the soil surface. Soil material and nutrients are removed in the process. Why be concerned? • Erosion reduces crop yields • Erosion removes topsoil, reduces soil organic matter, and destroys soil structure Signs of Erosion – Sediment entering river • Erosion decreases rooting depth • Erosion decreases the amount of water, air, and nutrients available to plants • Nutrients and sediment removed by water erosion cause water quality problems and fish kills • Blowing dust from wind erosion can affect human health and create public safety hazards • Increased production costs Erosion removes our richest soil. How much does it cost? • Technical assistance to assess and plan erosion control systems from NRCS is free • No till and mulch till may require special tillage equipment or planters if this equipment is not al- ready available • Vegetative barriers may cost $50-$100 per mile of barrier • Cover crops may cost between $10 and $40 per acre depending on the type of seed used Controlling Soil Erosion Signs of Erosion – Small rills and channels on the soil Dust clouds & “dirt devils” such as the one pictured surface are a sign of water erosion here are signs of wind erosion. How to Reduce Erosion: The key to reducing is erosion is to keep the soil covered as much as possible for both wind and water ero- sion concerns.
    [Show full text]
  • 4.3 Water Has a Major Role in Shaping the Earth's Surface. Enduring
    4.3 Water has a major role in shaping the Earth’s surface. Enduring Understanding(s) Essential Questions (A) Water has a major role in shaping • How does water affect the Earth’s the Earth’s surface. surface? (B) Water moves in a predictable cycle. • Where does water come from? Where does it go? GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS: 1. Water is continuously moving between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere in a process called the water cycle. Water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the air and cools, condenses, collects in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation. The energy that causes the water cycle comes from the sun. 2. Most precipitation that falls to Earth goes directly into oceans. Some precipitation falls on land and accumulates in lakes and ponds or moves across the land. Rain or snowmelt in high elevations flows downhill in many streams which collect in lower elevations to form a river that flows downhill to an ocean. 3. Water moving across the earth in streams and rivers pushes along soil and breaks down pieces of rock in a process called erosion. The moving water carries away rock and soil from some areas and deposits them in other areas, creating new landforms or changing the course of a stream or river. 4. The amount of erosion in an area, and the type of earth material that is moved, are affected by the amount of moving water, the speed of the moving water, and by how much vegetation covers the area. 5. Rivers carve out valleys as they move between mountains or hills.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond Binary Baseflow Separation: a Delayed-Flow Index for Multiple Streamflow Contributions
    Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 849–867, 2020 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-849-2020 © Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Beyond binary baseflow separation: a delayed-flow index for multiple streamflow contributions Michael Stoelzle1,*, Tobias Schuetz2, Markus Weiler1, Kerstin Stahl1, and Lena M. Tallaksen3 1Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany 2Department of Hydrology, Faculty VI Regional and Environmental Sciences, University of Trier, Trier, Germany 3Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway *Invited contribution by Michael Stoelzle, recipient of the EGU Outstanding Student Poster Awards 2015. Correspondence: Michael Stoelzle ([email protected]) Received: 14 May 2019 – Discussion started: 28 May 2019 Revised: 18 November 2019 – Accepted: 20 January 2020 – Published: 25 February 2020 Abstract. Understanding components of the total streamflow the primary contribution, whereas below 800 m groundwa- is important to assess the ecological functioning of rivers. Bi- ter resources are most likely the major streamflow contri- nary or two-component separation of streamflow into a quick butions. Our analysis also indicates that dynamic storage in and a slow (often referred to as baseflow) component are of- high alpine catchments might be large and is overall not ten based on arbitrary choices of separation parameters and smaller than in lowland catchments. We conclude that the also merge different delayed components into one baseflow DFI can be used to assess the range of sources forming catch- component and one baseflow index (BFI). As streamflow ments’ storages and to judge the long-term sustainability of generation during dry weather often results from drainage streamflow.
    [Show full text]