Slope–channel linkage and sediment delivery on North Carolina coastal plain cropland
Author(s) -
Slattery Michael C.,
Gares Paul A.,
Phillips Jonathan D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.436
Subject(s) - coastal plain , erosion , surface runoff , sediment , watershed , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , structural basin , storm , channel (broadcasting) , soil loss , south carolina , soil conservation , environmental science , oceanography , geomorphology , agriculture , geography , geotechnical engineering , archaeology , ecology , paleontology , engineering , public administration , machine learning , computer science , political science , electrical engineering , biology
Abstract This paper presents the results of field measurements conducted in a small (19·4 ha) agricultural basin on the North Carolina coastal plain. The overall objective of the study is to determine the magnitude of soil erosion and sediment delivery as a result of storm runoff. The results suggest that erosion in the region is more rapid and extensive than previously thought. Fields at the site are experiencing accelerated soil loss, with rates often comparable to those of the southeastern Piedmont, a region long recognized as having rapid and problematic soil loss. This casts doubt on some assessments of the coastal plain as being a stable, non‐eroding landscape. However, much of the soil mobilized is redistributed and stored within the watershed with only a small portion of the soil eroded from slopes leaving the basin on an event time frame. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.