Comparison of approaches using MUSLE, USLE-M and RUSLE2 for large-scale hydrosedimentological modelling
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Mathematical models have been used to understand sediment dynamics in river basins. An important part of these models refers to equations for estimating soil loss. In this sense, there are different formulations in the literature, however, no studies have been identified that have compared soil loss models for daily hydrosedimentological simulation and in large basins. The Large Basin Sediment Model (MGB-SED) is a hydrosedimentological model that uses the MUSLE to calculate daily sediment generation and subsequent sediment propagation in rivers. In this study, the MGB-SED model was used to assess whether the USLE-M and/or RUSLE2 equations, incorporated into its source code, provide more accurate estimates of daily sediment production on large scales, compared to MUSLE. The results indicated that the three formulations were able to represent the spatial variability and temporal dynamics of suspended sediment in the Doce River basin. Performance varied, but MUSLE achieved KGE > 0.5 at most stations. USLE-M best represented the solid discharge peaks, while MUSLE best represented the minimum suspended sediment concentrations (SSC), ensuring a better statistical fit. The better performance of MUSLE was associated with the fact that it uses surface runoff as the erosivity factor and is easier to apply than USLE-M and RUSLE2. The greater applicability of MUSLE is especially in conditions of unavailability or scarcity of data for an estimate of daily rainfall erosivity, which is necessary for the use of USLE-M and RUSLE2. However, the three equations can be used as tools to help managers devise effective strategies for water and soil recovery and conservation.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
Award: G2416942733
OpenAlex ID: W4415316164