Estimation of sediment yield using digital terrain models. The case study of Aoos' reservoir

X. Priovolou, Estimation of sediment yield using digital terrain models. The case study of Aoos' reservoir, MSc thesis, 155 pages, July 2016.

The study of systems for soil material transportation within hydrographic networks is subject to intense academic interest worldwide, since the protection and control of soil and water resources, as well as their effective management, could contribute to reducing flood phenomena, mitigating climate change and improving land productivity. At the same time, through the continuous monitoring and improving of these processes it is possible to enhance efficiency and boost the economic life, design-wise, of engineering structures. However, the conditions that affect the phenomena are complex and dynamic, making direct and accurate assessment and the appropriate modelling processes difficult.: This thesis aims to study the capabilities of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model through its implementation on the basin of the river Aoos. Utilising the case study method, the use of this technology is evaluated with respect to the assessment of sediment yield and the results are compared with those obtained from field measurements from the first years of operation for the Aoos river dam. The implementation of RUSLE technology combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software confirmed certain benefits for its use to estimate the load at the basin level and highlighted constraints that prevent its use to the fullest potential and broad expansion in more peculiar environments. Therefore we conclude that the RUSLE model, in its current form, does not offer a complete solution for assessing sediment yield.