Using rare earth elements to monitor sediment sources from a miniature model of a small watershed in the Three Gorges area of China

摘要: Abstract Understanding soil erosion processes at different landscape positions is important in order to predict and control watershed losses. Rare earth elements (REEs) can be used trace eroded sources but their efficacy may dependent. We constructed a miniature model of small located the Three Gorges Area China, oxides eight REEs purple soil. The was divided into regions containing landform type as potential sediment source. A REE applied each region. Redistributions under three successive simulated rainfall events with intensities 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mm min− 1 were examined. percentage contribution from region total loss fluctuated relative during rainstorms. Contributions lower main gully decreased before stabilizing, while those upper increased decreasing, other all stabilizing. Overall, system, comprising branch gullies, greater than that slopes. system tended decrease increases intensity rainstorm duration slopes increased. comparison calculated actual masses indicated accuracy tracing method less for coarse textured previously found fine soils. errors, likely due assumption calculation there no particle size selectivity erosion, needs addressed. This pilot study provided technical reference use monitoring natural watershed, theoretical basis conservation Area.