Modelling Erosion and Deposition: Topographic Effects

ABSTRACT Aphysically based, computationally simple, analytical framework is developed for predicting the effects of topography on erosion and deposition on two-dimensional and quasi three-dimensional non-planar hillslopes. It is then extended to apply to more complex slope geometries found in real three-dimensional terrain using a digital terrain model. An example is given of predicted erosion and deposition patterns on an experimental catchment at Wagga Wagga, Australia. Predicted zones of high erosion show good agreement with the long term pattern of erosion and deposition in the catchment, especially the observed locations of gullies and zones of severe sheet erosion.