An assessment of surface‐mine reclamation based upon sheetwash erosion rates at the Glenrock coal company, Glenrock, Wyoming

Abstract

AbstractComparative erosion rates provide a rational basis for evaluating reclamation success because the work performed by erosion processes is a function of both forces and resistances operating on a surface. Sheetwash erosion data collected by the LEMI technique over several years at the Dave Johnston Mine in east‐central Wyoming show that, based upon average values, there is generally little difference between the erosion rates of natural and reclaimed hillslopes at this locale. Therefore, it is permissible to infer that the reclamation programme has been successful from a geomorphic perspective. However, there is considerable variation in erosion rates about the average for individual hillslopes in both the natural and reclaimed groups.Examination of these data by hillslope element and segment show that, based upon average values, the concave elements of natural and reclaimed hillslopes experience the highest rate of sheetwash erosion. Again, however, there is considerable variation about the average and considerable erosion can occur in any element or segment of particular hillslopes.Lastly, there are seasonal oscillations of hillslope surface elevation with frost‐heaving prevalent during the late autumn to early spring months and erosion prevalent during the late spring to early autumn months.