This study uses hourly rainfall data, physiographic data, and the USLE and MUSLE soil erosion models as well as on site erosion pin studies to identify soil erosion rates within Shenmu watershed. Results from the MUSLE model revealed single storm erosion resulting from high rainfall intensity, and long duration rainfall events such as typhoon Morakot, can generate large volume non-point sources of sediment that is estimated to account for over 15 percent of annual erosion depths. Erosion rates measured at soil erosion pin studies revealed erosion depths were actually
greater in the Aiyuzi watershed and erosion rates drastically increased once accumulated rainfall exceeded
200mm. Although measured erosion depths were higher in the Aiyuzi stream, because the area of the Chushui watershed is twice that of the Aiyuzi watershed, estimated total erosion volume based on field measurements was higher in the Chushui watershed, matching the results of the USLE model.
Key Words : Shenmu watershed, soil erosion, rainfall characteristics.