Geomaterials (Sedimentology) Estimates of present-day erosion based on sediment transport in rivers: a case study in Taiwan

AbstractWe discuss the present-day sediment transport by rivers, and hence the erosion rate in upstream basins, based on the exampleof Taiwan Rivers where large datasets are available. After data correction, the values of the suspended sediment load in the lowerKaoping River are nearly three times smaller than those from the literature. On the other hand, we add the bed load evaluatedfrom numerical modelling, despite limitations from data and models. Whereas the contribution of the chemical denudation ratein Taiwan is minor, the bed load is significant and must be evaluated. We point out that biases in data collection may favourhigh values of suspended load data, and that large series of datasets are needed to reduce uncertainties and smooth the timevariability effect. To cite this article: F.-C. Li et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).  2005 Published by Elsevier SAS on behalf of Academie des sciences.ResumeEstimation de l’erosion actuelle a partir du transport de sediments par les rivieres : une etude de cas a Taiwan.La mesure du transport des sediments par les rivieres permet la determination du taux d’erosion dans les bassins en amont.Nous examinons cette approche pour les rivieres de Taiwan, pour lesquelles d’abondantes donnees sont disponibles. Apres