Objective This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of slope runoff paths and micro-topography changes under continuous rainfall conditions, as well as their impact on erosion and sediment yield. Methods Indoor artificial simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on typical loessial soil slopes in western Shanxi Province, with rainfall intensities of 30, 60 and 90 mm/h, a slope length of 3 m, width of 1 m, and gradient of 15°. Results The runoff generation rate increased from 144.84 mL/(min·m2) to 978.02 mL/(min·m2) with the increase of rainfall intensity, and the time to reach stability decreased from 24 min to 15 min as rainfall events increased. In terms of sediment yield, there were significant differences in the variation trend of sediment yield rate under different rainfall intensities. Under the rainfall intensity of 30 mm/h, the average sediment yield rate increased gradually from the initial 0.08 g/(min·m2) with the extension of runoff duration and then tended to be stable (0.13-0.42 g/(min·m2)). In contrast, under the rainfall intensity of 60 and 90 mm/h, the average sediment yield rate decreased gradually from 2.02 g/(min·m2) to 2.76 g/(min·m2), and then stabilized at 0.55-0.99 g/(min·m2) and 0.50-0.83 g/(min·m2). Under 30 mm/h rainfall, the distribution of runoff paths on the slope was relatively random. After the fourth rainfall event at 90 mm/h, a main flow path with a length of 4.45 m formed and extended through the entire slope. The degree of runoff connectivity increased, and the flow paths developed steadily. The values of surface roughness and cutting degree increased from the upper to the lower part of the slope, and the proportion of high-value areas increased from 33.09% and 18.74% to 53.63% and 30.80%, respectively, as rainfall intensity increased. Conclusion The results provide a scientific basis for a deeper understanding of the runoff connectivity process and micro-topography changes on loessial soil slope surface in western Shanxi Province under continuous rainfall conditions, as well as for soil erosion control.
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