Comparison of EPM and MPSIAC Models in GIS & RS for Erosion and Sediment Yield Assessment of the Pegah-Sorkh Basin, Gotvand Area, Khuzestan Province, Iran

Abstract
This research was conducted in the Pegah - Sorkh sub-catchments area, a semi-arid region in SW Iran, Using Geographic Information systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to compare the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) and Modified Pacific Southwest Interagency Committee (MPSIAC) models in erosion-potential mapping and sediment yield assessment. The study area with approximately 4600 Ha shows different type of lithological units and vegetation covers. Data were collected from available sources were further processed with image processing and field observations. Also all the factors needed for EPM and MPSIAC models were provided using common abilities of RS and GIS. Comparison of the EPM and MPSIAC results with field observation showed that although the results of the two erosion potential maps are very similar, but the results the MPSIAC are reliable in identifying areas with very high erosion potential.

Keywords: Remote Sensing, Erosion, Khuzestan, EPM, MPSIAC.