DFG-Project RI 835/6-1

Comparability of simulation results of different rainfall simulators as input data for soil erosion modelling (DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Ri 835/6)

Abstract

Rainfall simulation is an essential tool in research of recent process dynamics of soil erosion. Data are increasingly adopted for modeling and hence become an important base of information for decision-makers in application-oriented erosion protection. Worldwide many small rainfall simulators with different design, rainfall intensities, rain spectra etc. are used, and due to specialized research questions a standardization of rainfall simulation is not in sight. For this reason the Department of Physical Geography at Trier University would like to offer the possibility of comparing the simulators.
We consider it helpful to compare different rainfall parameters like the drop spectra with each other. A comparison of different calibration methods has proved that calibration results of different methods may lead to contradictory results. Not alone in Europe, but in the whole world very different calibration methods are applied for artificially generated rainfall. Hence, our working group considers the standardization of the calibration methods as the most urgent need of research. With standardized calibration methods, preferably Laser Disdrometer for drop spectra and rain collectors for spatial distribution, high-resolution and uniform data on rainfall characteristics can be generated as pluviograms. These pluviograms can be used for comparison of the artificial with natural rainfall.
Within the scope of research a criteria catalogue could be provided for estimation of the different simulators. Moreover, correction factors for each rainfall simulator could be compiled for the key factors runoff, infiltration and eroded material. With these correction factors all results can be made comparable, at least in Europe.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Johannes B. Ries

Dipl. Umweltwiss. Thomas Iserloh

More Informations: EGU-Poster (2010)