The methods of determining the contribution of sediment sources are divided into direct and indirect categories. This study aimed to compare the results of fingerprinting technique (direct method) and field measurements of erosion (indirect method), in Vartavan catchment. Discriminant analysis and multivariate mixing model were used for determining the optimum combination of tracers and contribution of sediment sources. Sediment trapper was also used for measuring the erosion of various lithological units. The result showed that the contributions of sedimentary, calcareous and volcanic sources in the outlet sediments were equal to 47.6, 37.4 and 15.1 % respectively and the relative importance of these sources (in terms of specific sediment) were equal to 1.58, 1.04 and 0.48 respectively. The average of minimum and maximum weight of accumulated sediments in trappers were also 2/13 and 6/221 gr for orbitolina and plagioclase limestone respectively. In total the results and efficacy of fingerprinting, was approved by field measurements. As well, differences between the results of direct and indirect methods are due to the differences in the area of units and the lack of spatial and filtering resistances in the indirect methods. The overall result is that although the contribution of sediment sources was determined directly using fingerprinting method considering the concepts of sediment transport and delivery, but indirect methods provide valuable information on the erodibility of sediment sources that is crucial for identifying critical regions and planning soil conservation programs.
Mosaffaie J, Ekhtesasi M, salehpour jam A. Comparison of fingerprinting & field measurement of erosion in water sediment source tracing. jwmseir 2018; 12 (40) :1-9 URL: http://jwmsei.ir/article-1-366-en.html