Estimating the Effect of Rain Splash on Soil Particle Transport by Using a Modified Model: Study on Short Hillslopes in Northern China

Abstract

Splash erosion is an important soil erosion process in sloping lands. This study aims to improve the model of rain splash transport based on the results of previous studies and field experiments involving rainfall simulation. A field study was conducted to examine the effects of rainfall properties, herbaceous cover and surface flow on splash processes on hillslopes in northern China. On the basis of the experimental results, a comprehensive model of rain splash was established through the quantitative analysis of the interactive effects of rainfall kinetic energy, vegetation coverage and overland runoff depth on splash erosion rate and the probability density of splashed particles and maximum splash distance. The results showed that the estimated and observed values of splash transport exhibit high consistency and adaptability. However, several discrepancies were observed between the estimated and observed values for events with high vegetation coverage. These differences can be ascribed to the variation in overland runoff connectivity and the differences in soil surface cohesion at various wetness degrees. The proposed model provides insights into splash erosion characteristics and suggestions for erosion control practices on hillslopes.