Variations in mean annual sediment yield as a function of mean annual precipitation

Abstract

The "Langbein-Schumm Rule" states that sediment-yield values are determined both by the volume of runoff that occurs in a basin and by the concentration of sediment in that runoff. The effect of any environmental factor (such as precipitation) on sediment yield is the result of the combined effect of the factor on runoff and concentration. Analysis of much improved data available as of 1969 is presented in this paper. The analysis suggests that neither the Langbein-Schumm curve nor any other curve yet published is valid on a world-wide basis. In general, factors that control supply are more important than those that control transport