Raindrop Impact and Splash Erosion

Abstract

The highest amount of splash loss occurs when the soil surface is at or just above saturation. Any degree of suction to soil water or depth of water on the surface reduces the splash loss. Surface slope only affects the distribution of splash particles with a greater proportion moving downslope as the slope angle increases. Release velocity and trajectory of splash droplets are dependent on the angle and velocity of splash corona. Crater size and shape are dependent upon both drop and surface characteristics. Craters formed in water or saturated soil pastes are hemispherical but shallow with a raised center in compacted soil and sand. Crater volume, which is a more accurate measure of total soil loss by the impacting drop, can be predicted using impact impulse and surface shear strength.