Abstract

The Erosivity ndex (EI) and the odified ournier ndex (MFI) are two commonly used methods in calculating the R factor of the universal soil loss equation/revised universal soil loss equation formula. Using auritius as a case study, the value of high‐resolution data versus long‐term totals in erosivity calculations is investigated. A limited number of four auritius eteorological ervices stations located on the west coast and the entral lateau provided the study with detailed rainfall data for 6 years at 6‐min intervals. Rainfall erosivity for erosive events was calculated using different set interval data. In this study, within the , the use of 6‐min rainfall intervals during erosive rainfall gave estimates of around 10% more erosivity than the 30‐min time intervals and 33% more rainfall erosivity than the 60‐min rainfall measurements. When the was used to determine erosivity through annual and monthly rainfall totals, substantially higher erosivity than the method was calculated in both regions. This stems from the large amount of non‐erosive rainfall that is generated on auritius. Even when the was used to calculate erosivity through monthly and annual rainfall totals derived purely from erosive rainfall, erosivity calculations were not comparable to those from high‐resolution data within the . We suggest that for the computation of erosivity, rainfall data with the highest possible resolution should be utilised if available and that the application of annual and monthly rainfall totals to assess absolute soil erosion risk within a high rainfall tropical environment must be used with caution.

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