Erosion and Sediment Yield Associated with Head-cut and Gully Development in Upland Concentrated Flows

 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Carlos Alonso Dr. David Dicarlo Dr. Andrew Simon Dr. Robert Wells Dr. Glenn Wilson

Problem:

On farms and in upland areas, the major source of fine grain sediment is through head-cut development and gully erosion, areas of localized but intense erosion. These erosion processes seriously threaten soil resources and the sustainability of farmlands. Eroded, fine-grain sediment carried by surface runoff severely impacts water quality, fish and wildlife, and ecological habitat, both within the receiving streams and in nearby lakes.

Objective:

The aim of this research is to characterize the formation, development and evolution of head-cuts formed in upland concentrated flows and to assess their impact on soil loss and sediment yield.

Description of Work:

Laboratory and field investigations are underway to evaluate and characterize the processes controlling head-cut growth and development, to determine how gullies form and evolve, and to assess the total sediment yield added to rivers and lakes associated with these erosional processes. A range of scales will be examined, from very small features in rills to ephemeral gullies on field catenas.

Benefit:

Increased knowledge of these processes will provide better characterization of the formative processes controlling head-cut growth and development, increased understanding of the small-scale erosion processes that trigger gully formation, and determination of how gullies develop and evolve with time. These results will significantly improve the accuracy of sediment yield estimates from upland areas, and result in improved soil conservation management tools and assessments.