Evaluation of soil erosion potential of a hilly terrain using hypsometry and E30 model: A case study of Kynshi Basin, Meghalaya

Watersheds in hilly terrain are prone to severe erosion due to surface runoff, steep slopes and undulating topography. Kynshi watershed, situated in west Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in India, is vulnerable to soil erosion due to heavy rainfall, its high elevation and undulating terrain. However, the area is covered with dense to moderate forest which may act as deterrent to erosion. This study evaluates the soil erosion potential of the watershed by hypsometric analysis and Remote Sensing and GIS based E₃₀ model. Results suggest that a significant area (almost 41%) faces soil erosion at a rate of 0-22.25 mm/yr and about 9.5% area may suffer from an erosion rate of above 66.75 mm/yr. The area is inaccessible for any field measurements and hence erosion values estimated in this study could not be validated. However, study forecasts pattern of soil erosion in the area while hypsometric study shows that the watershed is at a mature stage of erosion having low erodibility. Since land cover may change due to anthropogenic activities, it can induce higher erosion potential.