Erosion Modeling

Abstract

The impetus for developing erosion models began in the 1930s and 1940s with the need to evaluate different soil conservation practices. Although the effectiveness of erosion-control measures can be tested in the field on demonstration plots, long-term records are required to collect meaningful data. The plots are also expensive to establish and maintain. Therefore, an alternative approach is needed whereby the effectiveness of different measures can be predicted from knowledge of local conditions of climate, soils, topography, and land cover.