sedimentyield

Sediment yield is a term used in hydrology and geomorphology to describe the total amount of sediment that is transported out of a drainage basin by a river or stream over a specific period. It is a measure of the erosional and transportational processes occurring within that basin. Sediment yield is influenced by a variety of factors, including the geology of the area, the topography, the amount of precipitation, land use practices, and vegetation cover.

Unlike sediment load, which refers to the amount of sediment currently being carried by a river at a specific point, sediment yield is a cumulative measure for an entire watershed. It quantifies the net export of sediment from the basin, meaning it accounts for both sediment eroded within the basin and any sediment deposited within the basin. High sediment yields can indicate active erosion and can have significant impacts on downstream environments, such as reservoir sedimentation, increased turbidity in waterways, and alterations to aquatic habitats. Conversely, low sediment yields suggest a stable landscape with minimal erosion or efficient sediment trapping within the basin. Measuring sediment yield typically involves monitoring streamflow and collecting sediment samples over time to determine the total mass of sediment transported.