Validation of the USPED Erosion and Deposition Model at Schofield Barracks, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Soil erosion has been recognized as a significant environmental issue in the United States for over 200 years. Numerous attempts have been made to predict and quantify the phenomenon, yet significant issues remain that hinder the accuracy and effectiveness of such models. This article describes the application of the new generation Unit Stream Power Erosion and Deposition (USPED) model that estimates soil erosion and concomitant sediment deposition at Schofield Barracks, Hawai‘i, an active Army training installation. The model accurately placed modeled estimates of soil erosion and sediment deposition in the correct visually determined category 85% the time (51 of 60 randomly assigned points). While not perfect, the USPED model estimates exceeded a predetermined accuracy threshold of 80%, recognizing that model estimates represent long-term estimates while visual estimates are based primarily on relatively recent conditions.