Journal des sciences de la Terre et du changement climatique

Abstrait

Study of Erosion and Sediment in the Zarak Catchment Area at Yazd Province, Iran, Using Modified P.S.I.A.C, E.P.M and B.L.M Methods and Comparison of them

Owfi RE

Yazd province is one of the arid provinces of Iran and such regions are expected to experience wind erosion. Unlike expectation, in the Zarak catchment area that is located at Yazd province, because of fixation of the soil surface, water erosion is more than wind erosion. On the other hand, due to daily temperature changes, geological formations split and then due to heavy showers, such split blocks provide ideal conditions for surface erosion. Of course, on slopes, rill erosion can be seen. Also in the waterways, when flow discharge increase, due to concentration of the kinetic energy of water in the bends of waterway, bank erosion is found.
Given the importance of soil protection programs and determining the methods of management of erosion and sediment as well as the reduction of calculation and the detailed design of the dam size at the storage dams, it is necessary to estimate total size of annual erosion and sediment in a catchment area. The Zarak catchment area is no exception. On the other hand with respect to the existence of multiple methods to do this, using a method with more reasonable data and saving cost and time, in addition providing acceptable and realistic answer is needed. Of course many parameters are involved. According to these matters, in this study, to study erosion and sediment, quantitative methods of modified Pacific Southwest Inter-Agency Committee (P.S.I.A.C) and Erosion Potential Method (E.P.M), also qualitative Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M) method were used and in the end, the results were compared. With using topographic maps and aerial photos, the initial map of each type of erosion was prepared and then by combining them with data and maps of rocks sensitivity, erosion, geology, geomorphology, slopes, vegetation types and land capabilities, etc. a base map was prepared. After that, by conducting field inspection, base map’s information was controlled and status of various erosions, slope, vegetation, condition of the bed and banks of the waterways, width and depth and materials of the bed and waterways were determined. Also erosion forms classes and their ranges were identified and the most important factors involved in the intensification of erosion were identified with using modified P.S.I.A.C, E.P.M and B.L.M methods.In the end ,the results of the three methods were compared.