Estimation of temporal variation in splash detachment in two Japanese cypress plantations of contrasting age
Abstract
To elucidate splash erosion processes under natural rainfall conditions, temporal variations in splash detachment were observed using a piezoelectric saltation sensor (H11B; Sensit Co., Portland, ND, USA). Preliminary laboratory tests of Sensit suggested that they were suitable for field observations. Field observations were conducted between July and September 2006 in 21‐ and 36‐year‐old Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantations with mean stand heights of 9·2 m and 17·4 m, respectively. Splash detachment (in g m−2) was measured seven times using splash cups, and raindrop kinetic energy (in J m−2 mm−1) in both stands was measured using laser drop‐sizing (LD) gauges. Sensit was installed to record saltation counts, which were converted to temporal data of splash detachment (splash rate; in g m−2 10 min−1) using the relationship between splash detachment and saltation counts. Surface runoff was monitored using runoff plots of 0·5 m width and 2·0 m length to obtain temporal data of flow depth (in millimeters). Both total splash detachment and raindrop kinetic energy were larger in the older stand. Increased splash rates per unit throughfall were found in both stands after rainless durations longer than approximately one day in both stands. However, a lower splash rate was found in the 21‐year stand after rainfall events. During extreme rainstorms, the 21‐year stand showed a low runoff rate and a decline in the splash rate, while the 36‐year stand showed a higher splash rate and increased flow depth. The piezoelectric sensor proved to be a useful means to elucidate splash erosion processes in field conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
