Tracing Soil Erosion from Watershed Using Rare Earth Elements

Abstract

Soil erosion continues to be one of the world's biggest environmental problems. Understanding erosion processes is the key to develop soil erosion prediction models that can provide a scientific basis for soil and water conservation planning. REE tracer method has been considered as an ideal monitoring technique. This paper introduced REE tracing method briefly, and reviewed the application of REE trace method in spatial and temporal distribution of soil erosion from watershed. The causes of error of REE tracing method were also analyzed to enhance its accuracy and precision. Finally, the shortcomings in current studies and the important direction of future researches were pointed out that could provide scientific references for improving the REE tracing method and extending its application in wider research areas.