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Evaluating Increased Erosion Potential due to Wildfires

This project presents an analysis of erosion potential following the Cedar Wildfire, which burned 280,000 acres and destroyed over 2,200 homes in 2003. Using the USDA Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), the study examines key factors affecting soil loss, including vegetative cover, soil characteristics, and topography. The findings reveal significant soil erosion risks in post-fire conditions, guiding conservation practices to mitigate future soil loss. Additionally, recommendations for accurate modeling and further studies are provided to enhance understanding and preparedness.

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Evaluating Increased Erosion Potential due to Wildfires

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  1. Evaluating Increased Erosion Potential due to Wildfires Brian Drake CE394K – Fall 2005 Term Project Presentation

  2. Study Area

  3. Cedar Wildfire • Duration: 10/25/03 – 11/3/03 • Size = 280,000 acres • 2,232 homes destroyed • 15 human deaths • Suppression Cost: >$31 Mil

  4. Major Factors Affecting Soil Losses • Vegetative Cover • Soil Characteristics • Topography • Intensity of Storms

  5. Modeling Erosion • USDA Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) • A = R∙K∙LS∙C∙P • A = Soil loss per unit area • R = Rainfall-Runoff Erosivity • K = Soil Erodibility • LS = Slope Length/Steepness Factor • C = Land Cover Factor • P = Conservation Practice Factor

  6. Rainfall-Runoff Erosivity (R) • Reflects rainfall intensity and storm energy

  7. Soil Erodibility (K) • Represents susceptibility of soil to erosion

  8. Slope Length/Steepness (LS) LS = (a/22.13)0.4 (s/0.0896)1.3 DEM

  9. Land Cover Factor (C) • Ratio of soil loss based on vegetative cover

  10. Conservation Practice Factor (P) • Reflects impact of erosion-reduction practices

  11. Total Sediment Potential (A) Aave = 30.7 ton/acre/yr Aave = 1,295 ton/acre/yr

  12. Remaining Tasks • Adjustments to current pre-fire calculation • Check for unit consistency • Search for more representative R-Factor • Ensure that LS value is accurate • Modify factors to model post-fire conditions • Increase C-Factor

  13. Resources • DEM:http://seamless.usgs.gov/ • NHD:http://nhd.usgs.gov/data.html • USDA Soils: http://www.ncgc.nrcs.usda.gov/products/datasets/statsgo/ • Fire Info:http://map.sdsu.edu/fireweb/

  14. Questions?

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