A Simulation Model for Erosion and Sediment Yield at the Hillslope Scale

Abstract

As a physical feature of the landscape, hillslopes connect high points with low points. A hillslope can be defined as the zone of the landscape from the crest of a ridge along the slope in the direction of flow to a defined drainage, water body, or other feature that interrupts the overland flow profile at the toe of the slope. The evolution and visible forms of hillslopes are in large part determined by the effects of water driven erosion. In the absence of activities such as land forming, grading, cultivation, etc., hillslopes are relatively stable and their forms evolve slowly.