Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS)

Wind erosion damages the soil, endangers life, reduces crop production, increases sedimentation, and creates air quality problems in many parts of the world. The need for an improved model to estimate wind erosion and compare conservation systems is unquestionable. However, estimating wind erosion is a formidable problem that has been researched extensively in the U.S. for over 50 years.

WEPS combines the latest wind erosion science with data bases and computers to provide a significant advancement in wind erosion prediction technology. This new model is expected to replace the current empirically-based wind erosion equation (WEQ) with a fully automated, process-based simulation model. WEPS operates by processing data bases that simulate wind, soil, climate, and field conditions on a site-specific basis.  Based on field tests, the model is being evaluated and modified to assure this new tool will fit requirements at NRCS field office level. Although the processes modeled are very complicated and data intensive, the user only has to input a few commands directing the computer to the appropriate data bases to estimate erosion and produce an array of site specific reports.

The natural forces and processes involved in both wind and water erosion are very similar and the required WEPS data bases are very similar to those contained in the new RUSLE model currently used to estimate water erosion. So, some of the ongoing field 11 work involves developing common data bases to be used by both models. If successful, that effort will reduce data base development and maintenance requirements for now and in the future. WEPS should be available for field use during the later part of 2006.
Your contact is Arnold King, NRCS soil conservationist, at  817-509-3213.