1.State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control,College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering(Insititute of Soil and Water Conservation),Northwest A&F University,Yangling,Shaanxi 712100,China
2.Institute of Soil and Water Conservation,Chinese Academy of Sciences & Ministry of Water Resources,Yangling,Shaanxi 712100,China
Objective To validate the applicability and accuracy of the composite fingerprinting technique in small watersheds of the Loess Plateau. Methods The Yangpan small watershed in the Loess Plateau was selected as the study area. Potential sediment sources were classified by geomorphic positions. Experiments on artificial mixtures were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of two fingerprint selection methods (Kruskal-Wallis H test+multiple discriminant function analysis, K-H+DFA; conservative index+consensus ranking, CI+CR) and three models (Walling model, Bayesian model, and FingerPro model) on the quantitative discrimination accuracy for sediment sources. Results 1) The concentration differences of 29 potential fingerprint properties from different sources were relatively small, with relative deviations ranging from 0% to 15% and a mean value of 2.72%. 2) When estimating source contribution using fingerprint factor groups selected by K-H+DFA, the accuracy of different models ranked: Walling model (mean absolute error, MAE=10.11%) > Bayesian model (MAE=16.21%) > FingerPro model (MAE=24.23%). When estimating contribution rates using CI+CR-selected fingerprint factor groups, the model accuracy ranked: Walling model (MAE=9.69%)> FingerPro model (MAE=13.13%) > Bayesian model (MAE=18.17%). 3) When estimating source contribution rates using the Walling model, CI+CR (MAE=9.69%) outperformed K-H+DFA (MAE=10.11%) in accuracy. For the Bayesian model, K-H+DFA (MAE=16.21%) yielded higher accuracy than CI+CR(MAE=18.17%). When applying the FingerPro model, CI+CR (MAE=13.13%) achieved a better accuracy than K-H+DFA (MAE=24.23%). Conclusion For sediment source discrimination in small watersheds of the Loess Plateau, the Walling model is preferred because it shows higher accuracy and is less influenced by fingerprint selection methods. Conversely, the FingerPro and Bayesian models show lower accuracy and are more easily influenced by fingerprint selection methods. This study offers a theoretical basis for accurate discrimination of sediment sources in the region.
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