Erosion and sediment estimation, using WEPP model in Imamzadeh Abdollah watershed, Khoozestan province

Water resources management is one of the most important environment challenges in watersheds. Loosing of soil caused by water erosion is one of dominant geographic processes over the most lands of the world. Nowadays, the feasibility of using mathematics models and advancement software technology has made available the quick recognition of erosion and sedimentation processes. In this study, the model of WEPP (version 2006) was provided for simulation and forecast of erosion and sedimentation in the study watershed. The WEEP model is a deterministic model with distributed parameters. In this research, watershed of Imamzadeh Abdollah of Baghmalek which lies in north-east of Khuzestan province is studied. Creation of a climate file is made available as an input file using the model of CLIGN and software of BPCDG as well as preparation of soil, basin management file using Excel and EPIC models. All the parcels of basin were defined for the model and executed using the aerial photos, drainage map, hypsometric map and software of Arc View (version, 3.3). Outputs of the model in the erosion section indicated average soil erosion which was some 22.54 tonha-1. Also, the sediment load was about 3468.2 tons, which indicated a difference of 9 percent in comparison with measured rates. Meanwhile, outputs of the model have well provided the feasibility of distinguishing sensitive hillsides to erosion. Based on outputs and ruling management on the hillsides, the protective recommendations like the proper ways for planting and gabion covering, building traces or groins in course of taking the best management practices were accomplished.