Depending on the problem, the scale of work and the resolution of the available data, there are several types of approach.
The MESALES model (INRAE) is an expert model for mapping erosive hazards (soil sensitivity to detachement under the action of raindrops – « splash effect ») (Le Bissonnais et al., 1998, Chabert et al. 2020). There is a guide for application on a departmental scale (Cerdan et al., 2006 BRGM/RP-55104-FR, « Projet VERSEAU », Landemaine et al., 2022, etc.). This mapping makes it possible to rank the catchment according to the level of hazard and to identify priority catchment on which WaterSed modelling can be carried out.
To set up a WaterSed model and estimate runoff and erosion, sufficiently resolved data is required. The procedure for preparing input data is detailed in the Tutorials.
WaterSed 