Erosion and Sediment Transport Modeling: A Systematic Review

Tesfa Gebrie Andualem (), Guna A. Hewa, Baden R. Myers, Stefan Peters and John Boland
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Tesfa Gebrie Andualem: UniSA-STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
Guna A. Hewa: UniSA-STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
Baden R. Myers: UniSA-STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
Stefan Peters: UniSA-STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
John Boland: UniSA-STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: Soil erosion and sediment transport have significant consequences, including decreased agricultural production, water quality degradation, and modification to stream channels. Understanding these processes and their interactions with contributing factors is crucial for assessing the environmental impacts of erosion. The primary objective of this review is to identify a suitable soil erosion and sediment transport model for catchment-scale application. The study considers various model selection processes, including model capability and the spatial and temporal domains for assessing spatiotemporal distributions. The review acknowledges the limitations, uncertainties, and unrealistic assumptions associated with soil erosion and sediment transport models. Models are usually developed with a particular objective, which demands an assessment of capabilities, spatial, and temporal applicability, and catchment-scale applicability. Distributed models are often preferred for catchment-scale applications, as they can adequately account for spatial variations in erosion potential and sediment yield, aiding in the evaluation of erosion-contributing elements and planning erosion control measures. Based on the findings of this study, the authors encourage utilizing models (such as Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) or Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA)) that can forecast net erosion as a function of sediment output for catchment erosion and sediment yield modeling. This review helps researchers and practitioners involved in erosion and sediment modeling by guiding the selection of an appropriate model type based on specific modeling purposes and basin scale. By choosing appropriate models, the accuracy and effectiveness of sediment yield estimation and erosion control measures can be improved.

Keywords: models; model applicability; sediment transport; soil erosion; sediment yield (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:7:p:1396-:d:1192377

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