Modelling unpaved sandy roads on Fraser Island

Abstract

This paper briefly reports on the research investigation of sediment transport and overland flow erosion from sandy unpaved roads on Fraser Island. Most of the sediment is transported by bed load because the particles are too coarse to be transported by suspended load. Vehicle traffic, especially 4 WD is considered to be responsible for accelerated erosion. Modelling sediment transport from Fraser Island sandy roads using two generic models: WEPP and KINEROS2 program were carried out. The study reflects that modelling focused on the main factor controlling sediment transport from Fraser Island sandy roads, namely the sediment transport capacity of rill flow can be a very significant tools for natural resource management as well as environmental conservation. Sediment transport capacity of rill flow was tested in the field and collected data were used to calibrate WEPP and KINEROS2. Verification showed that WEPP and KINEROS2 could be used to predict sediment transport capacity on Fraser Island roads.