Modelling approach for the rainfall erosivity index in sub-humid urban areas in northern Algeria

• Main Authors: I. Touaibia, N. Abderrahmane Guenim, B. Touaibia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2014-09-01
• Series: Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences
• Online Access: https://www.proc-iahs.net/364/123/2014/piahs-364-123-2014.pdf

This work presents an approach for storm water erosivity index modelling in the absence of measurement in an urban area, in a sub-humid climate. In torrential storms, floods, loaded with sediments, obstruct storm water drainage. With the aim of estimating the amount of sediment that can be deposited on a stretch of road, adjacent to the study area, the erosivity index is determined from a count of 744 rain showers recorded over a period of 19 years. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) of Wischmeier and Smith is applied, where only the index of erosivity is calculated; it is based on the intensity of the rain starting the process of erosion in the basin. Functional relations are required between this factor and the explanatory variables. A power type regression model is reached, making it possible to bring a decision-making aid in absences of measurements.