Simulation of erosion-deposition processes at basin scale by a physically-based mathematical model

The development and application of the physically-based and spatially-distributed mathematical model CTSS8-SED is presented. The model simulates hydrologic-hydraulic processes produced by storm events and related soil erosion and sediment transport processes at basin scale in lowland areas. The model simulates (i) storm runoff, (ii) soil detachment by raindrop impact and overland flow (gross sediment yield), (iii) sediment transport by overland flow and associated erosion-deposition processes and (iv) sediment transport by stream flow and riverbed erosion-deposition processes. A quasi two-dimensional representation of water flow and sediment transport routing is made by means of interconnected cells approach. The model is applied to simulate two flooding events in the Luduena Creek basin (Santa Fe, Argentina) occurred in April 1994 and March 2007 due to extraordinary rainfalls.