New Insight on Soil Loss Estimation in the Northwestern Region of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt

Soil loss is one of the most important causes land degradation. It an inevitable environmental and socio-economic problem that exists in many physiographic regions world, which, besides other impacts, has a direct bearing on agricultural productivity. A reliable estimate soil critical for designing implementing any mitigation measures. We applied widely used Revised Universal Loss Equation (RUSLE) Khabur River Basin (KhRB) within NW part Zagros Fold Thrust Belt (ZFTB). The areas such as range, characterized by rugged topography, steep slope, high rainfall, sparse vegetation, are susceptible to erosion. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Tropical Rainfall Measuring (TRMM), Harmonized World Database (HWSD), Landsat imagery annual using RUSLE model. In addition, we estimated sediment yield (SY) at sub-basin scale, KhRB where number dams planned, basic studies erosion lacking. Estimation SY will be useful excessive sedimentation affecting dam performance watershed management this region. determined average 11.16 t.ha?1.y?1 57.79 t.ha?1.y?1, respectively. rainfall runoff erosivity (R factor), slope length (L steepness (S three main factors controlling This first study determine scale along with identifying suitable locations check trap before it enters downstream reservoirs. provides valuable input data design prevent siltation. also aims offering new approach relating potential actual hypsometric integrals.