Length-slope factors for the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation: Simplified method of estimation

Ian D. Moore; John P. Wilson

ABSTRACT:

The combined length-slope (LS) factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is u measure of the sediment transport capacity of' overland flow. A dimensionless sediment transport capacity index that is a non-linear function of specific discharge and slope was derived by considering the transport capacity limiting sediment flux in the Hairsine-Rose, WPP, and catchment evolution erosion theories. For a two-dimensional hillslope, the index is equivalent to the combined LS factors in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), but it is simpler to use arid conceptually easier to understand. A major advantage of the index is that it can be easily extended to three dimensional terrain.

Footnotes

Ian D. Moore is the Jack Beale Professor of Water Resources with the Centre for Resource and Enviromental Studies, The Australian National University, GPO Box 4, Canberra, ACT, 2601, and John P. Wilson is director of the Geographic Information and Analysis Center and associate professor, Department of' Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, 59717. This study was funded in part by grant No. 90/6.134 from the Bilateral Science and Technology Program of the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce (Australia) and by the Water Research Foundation of Australia.
Copyright 1992 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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