Erosion Patterns Research Articles

Old detrital AFT ages from East Greenland do not require plateau erosion

Accurate estimates of past topography are required to reliably reconstruct past ice sheets to infer palaeoclimate. For this reason, understanding erosion rates across East Greenland is crucial to constrain landscape evolution driven by tectonics and climate-dependent erosion rates. Here we analyse published apatite fission-track (AFT) data to constrain the spatial pattern of AFT bedrock ages across the landscape. We compare these bedrock ages with published detrital distribution to highlight ambiguity in the pattern of erosion. In contrast to earlier work, we regress a simple model of exhumation pace through the bedrock ages such that age can vary as a function of both elevation and position. The resulting iso-age surfaces allow us to determine potential source areas for detrital AFT age distributions. We find that old ages observed in detrital distributions are just as likely to be sourced from low-elevation locations that are far from the coast as from high-elevation locations close to the coast. Additional data from lower temperature systems are thus required to make firm conclusions on landscape evolution in the region and distinguish between the two landscape-forming scenarios.

A salty snapshot: extreme variations in basal erosion patterns preserved in a submarine channel

The bases of active submarine channels are marked by large erosional features, such as knickpoints and plunge pools. However, their presence in ancient channel-fills has rarely been documented, so their importance in submarine channel morphodynamics requires investigation. Using seismic reflection data calibrated by wells from a buried submarine channel-fill, we document erosional features hundreds of metres long and tens of metres deep, here interpreted as knickpoints and a plunge pool, and provide a mechanistic process for their transfer into the stratigraphic record. Channel incision patterns are interpreted to record a transient uplift in an otherwise subsiding depocentre. Local structural complexities in the channel slope formed zones of preferential scouring. A switch to a depositional regime preserved the irregular channel base, inhibiting both the upstream migration of scours and smoothing of the channel base. The formation and preservation of these scours record the responses to salt tectonics and provide a unique snapshot of the formative processes of an ancient submarine channel. The presence of these exceptional basal scours indicates that headward erosion processes did not operate rapidly, challenging the paradigm that knickpoint migration controls channel evolution. Our results show that the primary erosion of the main channel surface and long-term channel evolution are both dominated by far more gradual processes.

Assessing Post-Monsoon Seasonal Soil Loss over Un-Gauged Stations of the Dwarkeswar and Shilabati Rivers, West Bengal, India

This study employs the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to evaluate soil loss within the Shilabati and Dwarkeswar River Basin of West Bengal, serving as a pilot investigation into soil erosion levels at ungauged stations during the post-monsoon season. Detailed data for temperature, precipitation, wind speed, solar radiation, and relative humidity for 2000–2022 were collected. A land use map, soil map, and slope map were prepared to execute the model. The model categorizes the watershed region into 19 sub-basins and 227 Hydrological Response Units (HRUs). A detailed study with regard to soil loss was carried out. A detailed examination of soil erosion patterns over four distinct time periods (2003–2007, 2007–2012, 2013–2017, and 2018–2022) indicated variability in soil loss severity across sub-basins. The years 2008–2012, characterized by lower precipitation, witnessed reduced soil erosion. Sub-basins 6, 16, 17, and 19 consistently faced substantial soil loss, while minimal erosion was observed in sub-basins 14 and 18. The absence of a definitive soil loss pattern highlights the region’s susceptibility to climatic variables. Reduced soil erosion from 2018 to 2022 is attributed to diminished precipitation and subsequent lower discharge levels. The study emphasizes the intricate relationship between climatic factors and soil erosion dynamics.

Changes of coastline and tidal flat and its implication for ecological protection under human activities: Take China’s Bohai Bay as an example

The change processes and trends of shoreline and tidal flat forced by human activities are essential issues for the sustainability of coastal area, which is also of great significance for understanding coastal ecological environment changes and even global changes. Based on field measurements, combined with Linear Regression (LR) model and Inverse Distance Weighing (IDW) method, this paper presents detailed analysis on the change history and trend of the shoreline and tidal flat in Bohai Bay. The shoreline faces a high erosion chance under the action of natural factors, while the tidal flat faces a different erosion and deposition patterns in Bohai Bay due to the impact of human activities. The implication of change rule for ecological protection and recovery is also discussed. Measures should be taken to protect the coastal ecological environment. The models used in this paper show a high correlation coefficient between observed and modeling data, which means that this method can be used to predict the changing trend of shoreline and tidal flat. The research results of present study can provide scientific supports for future coastal protection and management.©2024 China Geology Editorial Office.

Investigation on sediment erosion in bucket region of Pelton turbine considering cavitation

In the context of constructing high-head hydro-power stations, the Pelton turbine assumes a critical role as the primary energy converter. This study employs the Eulerian–Lagrangian method to simulate the multi-phase flow occurring within the Pelton turbine bucket. Furthermore, it introduces a novel aspect by investigating and comparing the effects of cavitation on erosion within the bucket region under varying conditions of sediment-water, involving different particle sizes and concentrations. The research findings unveiled several key insights. Primarily, cavitation predominantly influences the flow characteristics of particles at the air–liquid interface, while particles with larger sizes tend to concentrate in the center of the jet. Consequently, cavitation's impact on erosion is more pronounced in the case of smaller-sized particles. Moreover, the study revealed that cavitation can either exacerbate erosion under high particle concentration conditions or mitigate it when particle concentration is low. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted variations in the degree of erosion and the affected area of the bucket based on different position angles. Particularly, at a position angle of 65°, the presence of water vapor induced by cavitation alters particle trajectories, thereby modifying the overall erosion pattern of the bucket. These findings collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cavitation and erosion within the Pelton turbine bucket.

Fault activity in the San Gabriel Mountains, southern California, USA: Insights from landscape morphometrics, erosion rates, and fault-slip rates

Many studies use landscape form to determine spatial patterns of tectonic deformation, and these are particularly effective when paired with independent measures of rock uplift and erosion. Here, we use morphometric analyses and 10Be catchment-averaged erosion rates, together with reverse slip rates from the Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone, to reveal patterns in uplift, erosion, and fault activity in the range front of the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California, USA. Our analysis tests two prevailing hypotheses: (1) the range front of the San Gabriel Mountains is at steady state, in which rock uplift balances erosion and topographic elevations are stable throughout time, and (2) that west-to-east increases in elevation, relief, erosion rate, and stream-channel steepness across the interior of the massif reflect a parallel reverse-slip rate gradient on the range-bounding Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone. We show that although deviations from steady state occur, the range-front hillslopes and stream channels are typically both well-connected and adjusted to patterns in Quaternary uplift driven by motion on the range-front fault network. Accordingly, landscape morphometrics, 10Be erosion rates, and model erosion rates effectively image spatial and temporal patterns in uplift. Interpreted jointly, these data reveal comparable peak slip rates on the Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone and show that they do not monotonically increase from west to east. Thus, the eastward-increasing gradients developed within the interior of the massif are not solely related to reverse slip on the range-front faults. Evaluated on shorter length scales (<10 km), morphometric data corroborate earlier descriptions of the Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone as multiple individual faults or fault sections, with slip rates tapering toward fault tips. We infer that these patterns imply the predominance of independent fault or fault section ruptures throughout the Quaternary, though data cannot rule out the possibility of large, connected Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone ruptures. Deeper in the hanging wall of the Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone, secondary faults accommodate range-front uplift. Motion on these faults may contribute to active uplift of the highest topography within the massif, in addition to partly reconciling differences between geologic and geodetic Sierra Madre−Cucamonga fault zone reverse-slip rates. This study provides a new, unified perspective on tectonics and landscape evolution in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Recent intensified erosion and massive sediment deposition in Tibetan Plateau rivers

Recent climate change has caused an increase in warming-driven erosion and sediment transport processes on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Yet a lack of measurements hinders our understanding of basin-scale sediment dynamics and associated spatiotemporal changes. Here, using satellite-based estimates of suspended sediment, we reconstruct the quantitative history and patterns of erosion and sediment transport in major headwater basins from 1986 to 2021. Out of 13 warming-affected headwater regions, 63% of the rivers have experienced significant increases in sediment flux. Despite such intensified erosion, we find that 30% of the total suspended sediment flux has been temporarily deposited within rivers. Our findings reveal a pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity within and across basins. The recurrent fluctuations in erosion-deposition patterns within river channels not only result in the underestimation of erosion magnitude but also drive continuous transformations in valley morphology, thereby endangering local ecosystems, landscape stability, and infrastructure project safety.

The eutrophication process in the lagoon systems of eastern Rio de janeiro investigated through the analysis of sedimentary phosphorus and historic of basin occupation

Lagoons along the eastern coast of Rio de Janeiro serve as vital corridors for the preservation of marine and coastal biodiversity. However, these ecosystems are facing substantial threats stemming from environmental degradation and cultural eutrophication. This study aims to investigate the process of eutrophication by analyzing sedimentary environments in coastal lagoons located in the municipalities of (Itaipu) Niterói, (Fora) Saquarema, and Araruama (São Pedro da Aldeia). The investigation involves the analysis of sedimentary records collected at various times in each lagoon, with particular focus on phosphorus content and grain size distribution, emphasizing silt, clay and sand fractions. These analyses are correlated with the historical population growth in the drainage basins. Our working hypothesis posits that the impacts of urbanization on the degradation of lagoon systems are archived within the sedimentary records. It is anticipated that the extent and magnitude of these impacts are correlated with population density. The notable increase in demographic density can be attributed to the inauguration of the Rio-Niteroi Bridge, resulting in a significant influx of residents and tourists into the coastal region in question. This hypothesis is supported by census data, which reveal substantial population growth in coastal areas. In addition, this study utilizes ordination analysis, specifically Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to classify sedimentary layers based on their depositional characteristics. The PCA allows for the categorization of sedimentary data, unveiling changes in erosion and sedimentarion patterns. Remarkably, our research stablishes a significant correlation between the escalating total phosphorus fluxes and population growth, thereby providing valuable insights into the historical progression of cultural eutrophication within the coastal lagoon systems of eastern Rio de Janeiro. Overall, our findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of how urbanization and population dynamics have influenced the eutrophication process within there vital coastal ecosystems over the past five decades.

A Numerical Comparison of 2D and 3D CFD Modelling for Contraction and Expansion Geometries with an Emphasis on Solid Particles Erosion

In this study, erosion patterns and magnitude are compared between the outputs of 2D and 3D CFD models in contraction and expansion geometries. ANSYS Fluent software was used to model a circular cross-section geometry with a contraction and the results were compared to published experimental data. The simulation findings showed that there is good agreement between the 2D and 3D CFD models and the experimental data in terms of fluid flow properties such as velocity profiles and magnitude. It also demonstrated that the 2D and 3D CFD models' representations of erosion patterns and magnitudes are equivalent. The 3D CFD simulations were able to provide more information than the 2D CFD simulations, particularly in terms of erosion distribution over the entire geometry.

Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 1: Erosion dynamics

Abstract. Reliable descriptions of erosion events are foundational to effective frameworks relevant to the fate of tidal landscape evolution. Besides the rhythmic, predictable action of tidal currents, erosion in shallow tidal environments is strongly influenced by the stochastic wave-induced bottom shear stress (BSS), mainly responsible for sediment resuspension on tidal flats. However, the absence of sufficiently long, measured time series of BSS prevents a direct analysis of the combined tide- and wave-driven erosion dynamics and its proper representation in long-term morphodynamic models. Here we test the hypothesis of describing erosion dynamics in shallow tidal environments as a Poisson process by analysing, with the peak-over-threshold theory, the BSS time series computed using a fully coupled, bi-dimensional numerical model. We perform this analysis on the Venice Lagoon, Italy, taking advantage of several historical surveys done in the last 4 centuries, which allow us to investigate the effects of morphological modifications on spatial and temporal erosion patterns. Our analysis suggests that erosion events on intertidal flats can effectively be modelled as a marked Poisson process in different morphological configurations because the interarrival times, durations, and intensities of the over-threshold exceedances are always well described by exponentially distributed random variables. The resulting statistical characterization allows a straightforward computation of morphological indicators, such as the erosion work, and paves the way for a novel synthetic, yet reliable, approach for the long-term morphodynamic modelling of tidal environments.

Morphological Model for Erosion Prediction of India’s Largest Braided River Using MIKE 21C Model

The Brahmaputra River has a dynamic, highly braided channel pattern with frequent river bar formation, making it morphologically very dynamic, especially during the monsoon season with high discharge and sediment load. To understand how the river changes over time, this study focused on two stretches: Palasbari-Gumi and Dibrugarh. Using 2D morphological models (MIKE-21C), the study aimed to predict erosion patterns, plan protective measures, and assess morphological changes over short-term (1 year), medium-term (3 year), and long-term (5 year) periods. Model runs were conducted to predict design variables across these river reaches, encompassing different hydrological scenarios and development-planning scenarios. The coarse sand fraction yielded mean annual sediment load predictions of 257 Mt/year for the 2021 hydrological year and 314 Mt/year under bankfull discharge conditions in the Palasbari-Gumi reach. In the Dibrugarh reach, the corresponding values were 78 Mt/year and 100 Mt/year. Notably, historical records indicate an annual sediment load of 400 Mt/year in the Brahmaputra River. The model results were compared to measurements from Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), showing good accuracy for flow velocities, flood levels, and sediment loads. Discrepancies in peak model velocities compared to ADCP measurements remain consistently below 9% across the majority of recorded data points. The predicted flood levels for the bankfull discharge condition exhibited an outstanding accuracy, reaching nearly 91% at the Palasbari-Gumi site and a notable 95% at the Dibrugarh site. This study has presented a valuable methodology for enhancing the strategic planning and implementation of river training endeavours, particularly within the dynamic and highly braided channels of rivers such as the Brahmaputra River. The approach leverages predictive models to predict morphological changes over a 2–3 years timeframe, contributing to improved river management.

Fluid dynamics and erosion analysis in industrial naphtha reforming: A CFD-DPM simulation approach

This paper explores using Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Phase Model simulation in an industrial naphtha reforming unit. It analyzes the reformer process, including the reformer, hopper, and three elbow types. Objectives encompass catalyst residence time, fluid flow, and erosion due to the catalyst in these geometries. Simulation results unveil insights, showing varying erosion rates among the elbows. The 90-degree elbow has the highest erosion rate 4.42×10−8kgm2s, followed by the 60-degree elbow3.49×10−8kgm2s, and the 45-degree elbow with lower erosion rate 2.65×10−8kgm2s. Results align with literature, emphasizing flow dynamics' role in optimization and maintenance. The study validates simulation with only 1.58% deviation from plant data, highlighting model's precision. Catalyst residence time is 1.28 s. Erosion patterns in the hopper pinpoint high-density zones as erosion-prone areas, guiding preventive measures. This research enhances continuous catalytic reformer systems' efficiency and integrity, aiding decisions for design and maintenance, ultimately improving overall process efficiency and stability.

Analyzing gully erosion and deposition patterns in loess tableland: Insights from small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS InSAR)

The fragile Loess Plateau of China suffers substantial gully erosion. It is imperative to elucidate gully erosion patterns for implementing effective erosion control strategies. However, high spatiotemporal resolution quantification of gully dynamics remains limited across the Loess Plateau landscape. We utilized the small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS InSAR) technique to investigate the phenomenon of gully erosion and deposition on the Dongzhiyuan tableland, which sits within the vast expanse of the Loess Plateau in China, over the period spanning 2020–2022. The tableland edges subsided while gully bottoms uplifted due to sedimentation. Low elevations underwent active deformation. Slope, aspect, and curvature modulated uplift and subsidence patterns by affecting runoff and sediment transport. Gentle downstream slopes displayed enhanced sedimentation. Southern gullies showed pronounced uplift compared to northern gullies. Heavy rainfall triggered extensive erosion followed by rapid uplift, reflecting an adaptive oscillation between erosion and deposition. Basin hydrology correlated with spatial patterns of deformation. Vegetation cover above 60 % of the maximum substantially increased InSAR error. Our study reveals intricate spatiotemporal behaviors of erosion and deposition in loess gullies using time-series InSAR. The findings provide new insights into gully geomorphology and evolution, and our study quantifies gully erosion and deposition patterns at high spatiotemporal resolution, enabling identification of the most vulnerable areas and prioritization of conservation efforts.

Soil erosion and carbon export: A case study in a steep slope grazing landscape

Soil organic carbon (SOC) can be transported and deposited along the same pathways as that of soil erosion and deposition. Here soil erosion, deposition and SOC patterns are examined in a steep slope (∼30%) soil mantled environment in south-east Australia using an environmental tracer (137Cs). Multiple surface soil cores were collected and soil depth measured along two transects of similar length and aspect but at different elevation (average 550 and 800 m elevation above sea level). Both transects were located within the same paddock and managed by the same grazing methods. Both transects were found to have a high SOC concentration (∼Upper transect 6% and Lower transect 4%) and were significantly different from each other. SOC decreased moving downslope. Erosion rates for the site was 0.8 and 2.6 t ha−1 yr−1 for the Upper and Lower transects respectively and are probably higher than soil production rates. There were strong and significant positive relationships with SOC and 137Cs (r > 0.77, p < 0.0001). At this site, SOC concentration is related to erosion and deposition patterns. Using erosion rates of 0.8 and 2.6 t ha−1 yr−1 and an average SOC concentration of 5.8 and 3.8% then between 0.05 and 0.10 t ha−1 yr−1 of SOC is exported from the hillslopes which is approximately 2–4% of above ground biomass production (this being a major contributor to soil carbon). Carbon export was similar to that of other south-east Australia sites. The findings demonstrate that SOC can vary significantly in steep slope environments over short length scales highlighting the difficulty of understanding and quantifying geomorphic processes and farm carbon accounting.

Phanerozoic Burial and Erosion History of the Southern Canadian Shield from Apatite (U-Th)/He Thermochronology

Patterns of Phanerozoic burial and erosion across the cratonic interior of North America can help constrain the continental hypsometric history and the potential influence of dynamic topography on continental evolution. Large areas of the Canadian Shield currently lack Phanerozoic sedimentary cover, but thermochronology data can help reconstruct the previous extent, thickness, and erosion of Phanerozoic strata that once covered the craton. Here, we report apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe) data for 15 samples of Precambrian basement rocks and 1 sample of Triassic kimberlite from a 1400 km–long east–west transect across the southern Canadian Shield. Single-grain basement AHe dates range from &gt;500 Ma in the west to &lt;250 Ma in the east. AHe dates for the kimberlite in the middle of the transect overlap with the pipe’s Triassic eruption age. These data, combined with previous apatite fission-track data, geologic constraints, and thermal history modeling, are used to constrain the first-order regional thermal history that we interpret in the context of continental burial and erosion. Our burial and erosion model is characterized by Paleozoic burial that was greater to the east, unroofing that migrated eastward through Jurassic time, and little to no post-Triassic burial. This pattern suggests dynamic and tectonic forces related to Appalachian convergence, subduction cessation, and later rifting as drivers. The AHe data contribute to efforts to collect thermochronology data across the Canadian Shield to map out continental-scale burial and erosion patterns. The outcomes can be used to refine mantle dynamic models and test how dynamic topography, far-field tectonics, and other effects influence the surface histories of continental interiors.

Parametric Investigation of Pelton Turbine Injector under Hydro-abrasive Erosion Conditions

In high-head Pelton turbines, the injector faces severe erosion due to suspended sediment leading to a reduction in turbine efficiency and higher maintenance costs. Here, the effects of design parameters such as the bend angle of the nozzle pipe, nozzle angle, and needle angle along with an operating parameter stroke ratio on hydro-abrasive erosion of Pelton turbine injector are numerically investigated. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) model was implemented for capturing the interphase between air and water; whereas, the SST k-ω model is used for modelling the turbulence effect. For tracking the discrete phase, a Eulerian-Lagrangian based Discrete Phase Model (DPM) is considered. The bend angles led to flow circulations in the nozzle pipe causing the non-uniform distribution of sediment concentration and uneven erosion patterns. Irrespective of the bend angle, the erosion hotspot in the needle is observed toward the bend side. Further, for larger sediment particles, higher bend angles lead to more erosion rate in both the nozzle and needle and must be avoided to prevent excessive damage. As the needle angle increases from 40° to 60° for a constant nozzle angle, the nozzle erosion rate increases by 70% and the needle erosion rate decreases by 99%. Hence, an injector design can be optimized in hydro-abrasive erosion conditions by selecting a needle angle between 40° and 60°. Further, the operation of the injector at too high and low a stroke ratio results in excessive erosion of the nozzle and needle, respectively. In this study, a stroke ratio of 0.45 is found to be the most suitable for hydro-abrasive erosion conditions. Moreover, the asymmetricity in the erosion pattern of the needle increases with needle angle and stroke ratio resulting in jet quality degradation, one major reason for efficiency reduction in Pelton turbines.

Seasonal variations in the coastal beach profiles at Calabonita Beach in AL Hoceima Bay, Morocco

Sandy beaches are among the Earth's most dynamic natural environments, with wave action and swells critically influencing the energetics of erosion and sediment transport. This energy's temporal and spatial distribution significantly affects coastal morphological evolution. This study investigates the seasonal morphodynamic variability and short-term alterations at Calabonita Beach, located within Al Hoceima Bay, by analyzing topographic profiles collected from June 2022 to May 2023. Findings indicate that Calabonita Beach is relatively narrow, averaging a width of 27.53 meters with a slope of 6.82%. The annual vertical movement balance was found to be negative, showcasing a distinct pattern of sediment accumulation during autumn and increased erosion during winter. These results highlight the beach's dynamic nature, governed by natural processes and human activities, underscoring the intricate interplay between accumulation and erosion patterns.

First evidence of marine turtle gastroliths in a fossil specimen: Paleobiological implications in comparison to modern analogues.

Semi-articulated remains of a large chelonioid turtle from the Turonian strata (Upper Cretaceous; ca. 93.9-89.8 Myr) near Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo (Verona province, northeastern Italy) are described for the first time. Together with the skeletal elements, the specimen also preserves pebbles inside the thoracic area which are lithologically distinct from the surrounding matrix. These allochthonous clasts are here interpreted as geo-gastroliths, in-life ingested stones that resided in the digestive tract of the animal. This interpretation marks the first reported evidence of geophagy in a fossil marine turtle. SEM-EDS analysis, together with macroscopic petrological characterization, confirm the presence of both siliceous and carbonatic pebbles. These putative geo-gastroliths have morphometries and size ranges more similar to those of gastroliths in different taxa (fossils and extant) than allochthonous "dropstone" clasts from the same deposit that were carried by floating vegetation A dense pitted pattern of superficial erosion is microscopically recognizable on the carbonatic gastroliths, consistent with surface etching due to gastric acids. The occurrence of a similar pattern was demonstrated by the experimental etching of carbonatic pebbles with synthetic gastric juice. Gut contents of modern green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were surveyed for substrate ingestion, providing direct evidence of geophagic behavior in extant chelonioids. Comparison with modern turtle dietary habits may suggests that the pebbles were ingested as a way to supplement calcium after or in preparation for egg deposition, implying that the studied specimen was possibly a gravid female.

Shoreline change model after artificial reefs deployment in Tlangoh, Bangkalan, Madura

Fifteen hexagonal artificial reefs were placed on Tlangoh Beach, Bangkalan, Madura Island, in 2022. The reefs have been planned to reduce shoreline erosion that has been occurring in this location since 2020. Pertamina Hulu Energy – West Madura Offshore (PHE – WMO) will deploy more artificial reefs in their CSR (company social responsibility) program. The effect of the artificial reefs on reducing shoreline erosion was usually observed by the change of morphology and shoreline in the study area. The study of shoreline change has gained significant attention due to its substantial impact on coastal environments. Understanding the dynamics of shoreline alteration is crucial for managing and planning coastal development and preserving coastal ecosystems such as artificial reef deployment. Scientists and researchers have developed a generalized shoreline change model called GENESIS to aid in this understanding. This software provides a valuable tool for predicting and analysing coastal erosion and accretion patterns. This paper discusses the shoreline change model in Tlangoh Beach, Bangkalan Madura, after deploying artificial reefs using GENESIS software. The model shows that the length of the artificial reef layout influences the developed shoreline. The longer the reef placement, the more sediment accumulates in the study area

Unveiling the Wrath of Erosion: Assessing the Impacts of Soil Erosion on the Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Study on soil erosion in the coastal region of Bangladesh is crucial due to its severe environmental and socio-economic impacts. Understanding erosion patterns, identifying vulnerable areas, and developing effective conservation strategies are essential to safeguard agricultural productivity, preserve coastal ecosystems, and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities. This study focuses on soil erosion in the low-lying, flood-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) technique was used to calculate soil erosion rates. The southern section of the study area, characterized by high rainfall erosivity (R) and soil erodibility (K), exhibited the highest erosion rates at 1446 t/ha/year. The region experiences significantly higher rainfall erosivity than other parts of the world. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Feni, and Patuakhali receive over 3000 mm/yr of precipitation, while Teknaf and Hatiya surpass 4000 mm/yr. The vulnerability of the soft, sand-rich topsoil to water-driven gully and rill erosion contributes to the high erodibility factor. Conversely, the northwest and low-lying marshy areas exhibit low erosion rates due to the flat terrain and deposition of eroded soil mass from the hinterland. The hilly areas of Chittagong, Teknaf, and Cox’s Bazar experience above-average erosion rates. Effective soil conservation and management strategies are essential for reducing soil erosion in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, considering local environmental conditions such as precipitation and soil type. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for future studies and policies on soil erosion management in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. By guiding efficient conservation efforts, this information can help mitigate the adverse impacts of soil erosion on the environment and economy. IUBAT Review, 6(2): 1-24