Section 4: Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
Soil Erosion Mechanics and USLE
Subtopic: Rainfall Erosivity Index
Question Statement:
In Wischmeier's rainfall erosivity factor $R$, the kinetic energy parameter $EI_{30}$ represents:
Options:
(A) Total kinetic energy of the storm multiplied by the maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity
(B) Total rainfall depth divided by 30 minutes
(C) Raindrop diameter multiplied by wind velocity
(D) Soil detachment rate over 30 days
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
$EI_{30}$ equals total storm kinetic energy $E$ multiplied by the peak 30-minute intensity $I_{30}$, combining the force of raindrop impact with peak runoff detachment capacity.