Evaluation of Soil Erosion and Sediment Yield Estimation Various Empirical Model by Observation Values Case Study: Babolroud Watershed, Mazandaran Province

In this study undertaken in Babolroud Basin، seven models that included MPSIAC، EPM، Fournier، Douglas، Kirkby، Geomorphology and Hydrophysical were evaluated to determine the best model for estimation of soil erosion and sediment yield. These models have not been previously compared together. The zoning soil erosion intensity map was prepared from each model by using GIS. The estimated sediment yield was compared with the observed data (43 years of data from Ghorantalar Station) by using the statistical evaluation criteria such as relative and absolute difference، and correlation coefficient. Results showed that the MPSIAC model in the Lowland and Azar sub-basins، the Geomorphology model in the Karsang and Esklim Sub-basins، and the EPM model in the Babolak Sub-basin were more precise and efficient than the other models. By investigating the observed sediment data in Babolroud Basin، the MPSIAC model was used with a relative difference of 7. 932% (76659. 896 ton/y) and correlation coefficient of 0. 86، which was the most appropriate model to estimate soil erosion rate and sediment yield in this basin.