ARS | Publication request: History of wind erosion prediction technologies

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 24, 2007
Publication Date: August 15, 2007
Citation: Skidmore, E.L. 2007. History of wind erosion prediction technologies [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. 2007 CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Observations of the past give reasonable estimates of future events and conditions. Global sand seas and extensive loessial Plaines give a historical record of significant soil detachment, transport, re-deposition and expectations of future wind erosion. Â However, it was the disastrous “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s in the US Great Plains that prompted the United States Department of Agriculture to start a wind erosion research program in cooperation with Kansas State University. The intent was to gain sufficient understanding of the process to provide a scientific basis for development of wind erosion prediction technology and control measures. Investigations of the wind erosion process lead to the formulation of a Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) which was used extensively for conservation planning. As WEQ was used various improvements were implemented and some limitations of its empiricism were recognized. Therefore, a more process-based approach was initiated with a daily time-step Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS). In the interim between the initiation of WEPS and its release for implementation work continued on a Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ). WEPS was released to NRCS in April 2005 for beta testing. The testing resulted in several modifications and improvements. The Release of WEPS from Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to the Natural Resources Service (NRCS) for implementation in the field office is scheduled in late 2007.