RUSLE-based erosion analysis and its contribution to flooding in Kota Belud, Sabah

Amirah Saidin and Kamilia Sharir and Dwa Desa Warnana and Wien Lestari and Rodeano Roslee (2025) RUSLE-based erosion analysis and its contribution to flooding in Kota Belud, Sabah. International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics, 20 (7). pp. 1491-1498. ISSN 1755-7437

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Abstract

Erosion and flooding are closely linked processes that influence each other through sediment transport and hydrological changes. Erosion reduces the capacity of river channels by depositing sediment, while flooding accelerates soil detachment and transport. In Kota Belud, Sabah, this interplay is intensified by deforestation, agricultural activities, and unsustainable land development. This study employs the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) within a GIS environment to assess erosion prone areas and their contribution to flooding. A 5 m × 5 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used to derive the LS factor, while rainfall data, soil series, and land cover were used to compute the R, K, and C factors, respectively. The model was validated using flood-prone area data through an Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis, resulting in an accuracy of 81.22%, indicating good predictive capability. The erosion susceptibility map revealed that 83.6% of the area has very low susceptibility, while 0.5% falls under high to very high categories. These critical zones likely contribute to sedimentation in rivers, exacerbating downstream flooding. The findings provide essential insights for regional flood management, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation and sustainable land-use planning in Kota Belud.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), erosion causative factors, prediction accuracy, AUC
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) > S1-(972) Agriculture (General) > S622-627 Soil conservation and protection T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering > TC1-978 Hydraulic engineering > TC530-537 River protective works. Regulation. Flood control
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Science and Technology
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2025 16:28
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 16:28
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45759

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