Radar-based rainfall erosivity and hillslope erosion modelling in a burnt national park after storm events

Post-bushfire hillslope erosion is a major threat to soil health, water quality and ecosystem function. It can cause catastrophic impacts if followed by heavy storm events. Quantitative and timely assessment of hillslope erosion after bushfires during individual storm events is essential but remain a research challenge. We aimed to develop validated methodology to predict hillslope erosion in near real-time for fire-affected national parks and to evaluate the impact of bushfires on sediment delivery downstream. In this case study, we estimated rainfall erosivity and hillslope erosion based on weather radar images at 10-min intervals and produced time-series maps showing spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity and soil loss during storm events after a severe bushfire in early 2013 in Warrumbungle National Park in Australia. This would allow decision makers to assess the extent and magnitude of storm impacts on bushfire affected areas and to design appropriate remedial activities.