| Abstract: | Laboratory experiments to determine the maximum size of sediment transported in shallow, rain-impacted flow were conducted in a recirculating flume 4·80 m long and 0·50 m wide. Rainfall intensities were varied between 51 and 138 mm h?1, flow was introduced from a header tank into the flume at rates ranging from 0 to 0·64 l s?1, and experiments were conducted on gradients between 3·5 and 10°. The following equation was developed: ML = (REFE)1·6363 in which M is particle mass, L is distance moved in unit time (cm min?1), RE is rainfall energy (J m?2 s?1) and FE is flow energy (J m?2 s?1). This equation can be used to predict sediment-transport competence of interrill overland flow. The equation is limited in its utility insofar as it has been developed using quartz grains and takes no account of variations in absorption of rain energy by natural ground surfaces. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
