The European soil erosion model (EUROSEM): a dynamic approach for predicting sediment transport from fields and small catchments

R. P.C. Morgan, J. N. Quinton, R. E. Smith, G. Govers, J. W.A. Poesen, K. Auerswald, G. Chisci, D. Torri, M. E. Styczen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1114 Scopus citations

Abstract

The European Soil Erosion Model (EUROSEM) is a dynamic distributed model, able to simulate sediment transport, erosion and deposition over the land surface by rill and interill processes in single storms for both individual fields and small catchments. Model output includes total runoff, total soil loss, and storm hydrograph and storm sediment graph. Compared with other erosion models, EUROSEM has explicit simulation of interill and rill flow; plant cover effects on interception and rainfall energy; rock fragment (stoniness) effects on infiltration, flow velocity and splash erosion; and changes in the shape and size of rill channels as a result of erosion and deposition. The transport capacity of runoff is modelled using relationships based on over 500 experimental observations of shallow surface flows. EUROSEM can be applied to smooth slope planes without rills, rilled surfaces and surfaces with furrows. Examples are given of model output and of the unique capabilities of dynamic erosion modelling in general.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)527-544
Number of pages18
JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The European soil erosion model (EUROSEM): a dynamic approach for predicting sediment transport from fields and small catchments'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this