Hydrological simulation and prediction of soil erosion using the SWAT model in a mountainous watershed: a case study of Murat River Basin, Turkey

Abstract The Euphrates-Tigris basin in Turkey suffers from sedimentation and erosion problems. purpose of this study was to estimate streamflow, sediment yield, identification soil erosion-prone areas for the Murat River Basin which is headwater Euphrates River, with Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). model calibrated validated observed streamflow yield data obtained two gauging stations. statistical performance evaluated by using NSE, R2, PBIAS. NSE values were calculated as 0.57, 0.50 0.77, 0.75 stations E21A074 E21A077, respectively, monthly calibration validation periods. Monthly generated E21A077 0.54, 0.69 0.62, 0.35 periods, respectively. Spatial analysis indicates that 3.9% under very severe (>20 t/ha/y), 21.3% (>10 t/ha/y) conditions. Most occurs at barren land use sub-watersheds a slope greater than 25%. Overall, SWAT satisfactorily simulated identified sub-watershed scale water resource management.