Developing and testing a precision erosion measurement facility for elucidating mobilization mechanisms in shallow-flow conditions

This communication describes the main components of a laboratory facility for use in investigations where erosion results from  rain-impacted flow. The equipment consists of a rainfall simulator over a flume containing an erodible surface, and was  developed to enable key properties associated with surface runoff and shallow-flow characteristics to be controlled and manipulated so that their respective influence on mobilisation mechanisms can be isolated and measured. This paper outlines the main components of the experimental erosion measurement facility. Key properties associated with the control and measurement of precipitation, runoff and erosion conditions during simulated rainfall events are described and some preliminary results are presented and briefly discussed. The findings illustrate the ability of the equipment to control conditions over multiple rainfall simulations and the need for operators to become fully conversant with the equipment. It is envisaged that data produced by this facility, under the guidance of experienced operators, will be of sufficient quality to contribute to development of physical-based rainfall erosion models.