The export of phosphorus from Dartmoor catchments: a model to explain variations of phosphorus concentrations in streamwater

Abstract

Our knowledge of the export of solids and solutes by streams from different types of catchments has lagged behind that of water yield despite the fact that it is important in the prediction of erosion and landform development as well as the prediction of water quality. To remedy this shortcoming there has developed an increasing interest in export of various substances by small catchments. Gregory & Walling (1974) have described this trend as well as our growing awareness of the need to concern ourselves with the variation of fluvial processes as a function of landform, geology and land use. But because few studies of this sort have been completed in Great Britain, Gregory & Walling stressed the need to understand the controls on sediment and solute production, particularly in a variety of different landforms and geological formations.