E&ES > Geography > Modelling > Erosion > WaTEM/SEDEM
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Introduction:
WaTEM/SEDEM is a spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery model that is developed at the Physical and Regional Geography Research Group (KU Leuven, Belgium) as a user-friendly and optimised version of the WaTEM and SEDEM models, which were also developed at the FRG. These models were specifically developed to simulate the impact of soil conservation and sediment control measures as well as land use changes in the framework of an integrated catchment management, on the local soil loss and sediment delivery to rivers. This model combines the WaTEM and SEDEM models and aims at providing useful information for land managers to select the most effective catchment management scenario. The building of an interface for the WaTEM/SEDEM model was financed by the Land division of the Ministry of Flanders.
Unlike more sophisticated dynamic models, WaTEM/SEDEM focuses on the spatial, and less the temporal, variability of relevant parameters. As such, WaTEM/SEDEM allows the incorporation of landscape structure or the spatial organisation of different land units and the connectivity between them. The water erosion component of WaTEM/SEDEM uses an adapted version of the Revised Universal Soil loss equation (RUSLE) to calculate mean annual soil loss values. Runoff patterns are calculated with a flow algorithm that takes into account field borders, tillage direction and road infrastructure. Sediment is routed along these flow paths to the nearest river using a transport capacity term that is proportional to the potential rill erosion rate. WaTEM/SEDEM, however, does not predict sediment transport within a river, bank erosion or floodplain sediment deposition. This version of WaTEM/SEDEM focuses on the prediction of water erosion and sediment delivery to rivers. Tillage erosion can be simulated with the WaTEM model.
WaTEM/SEDEM can be used to:
- estimate soil loss and sediment deposition rates and patterns by water erosion
- delineate areas in an agricultural landscape that are prone to water erosion processes
- simulate the impact of various scenarios of an integrated catchment management (soil conservation measures, sediment control techniques) on the rates and patterns of soil loss and sediment delivery to rivers
This manual provides end-users all possible information necessary to apply WaTEM/SEDEM for case studies. More information about the scientific background and applicability can be found in the following publications. Use of this program is free. However, if any use of the programs included is made in publications, reference should be made to the following papers with respect to this work:
- Van Oost K, Govers G, & Desmet PJJ, 2000. Evaluating the effects of changes in landscape structure on soil erosion by water and tillage. Landscape Ecology 15 (6), 579-591.
- Van Rompaey A, Verstraeten G, Van Oost K, Govers G & Poesen J, 2001. Modelling mean annual sediment yield using a distributed approach. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 26 (11), 1221-1236.
- Verstraeten G, Van Oost K, Van Rompaey A, Poesen J & Govers G, 2002. Evaluating an integrated approach to catchment management to reduce soil loss and sediment pollution through modelling. Soil Use and Management, 18, 386-394.
Of course, we would appreciate very much any feed-back with respect to the use of this program !
Disclaimer:
The authors and the Physical and Regional Geography Research Group accept no responsibility and excludes all liability whatsoever in respect of any person’s use or reliance on the WaTEM/SEDEM model and/or the WaTEM/SEDEM help documentation.