Wind Erosion Prediction System
Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) predicts many forms of soil erosion by wind such as saltation-creep and suspension including PM-10 using a process-based, continuous, daily time-step model that simulates weather, field conditions, crop growth, and hydrology.
Soil erosion by wind is a serious problem in the United States and the world. Wind Erosion can be a threat to agriculture productivity and the sustainability of the earth’s natural resources. The erosion of surface soil by wind renders the soil less productive by removing the most fertile part of the soil, namely, the clays and organic matter. This removal of clay and organic matter reduces native productivity of the soil and damages soil structure and biological activity, which are essential soil qualities for a healthy soil resource.
In addition to soil loss, wind erosion can damage plants, primarily by the abrasive action of saltating particles on seedlings and fruits. Eroded soil can also be deposited into waterways where it impacts water quality and/or emitted into the air where it degrades the air resources. By affecting these resources, wind erosion can also become a health hazard to humans and other animals.
The ability to accurately simulate soil loss by wind is essential for, among other things, environmental and conservation planning, natural resource inventories, and reducing air and water pollution from wind-blown soil materials.
This site provides access to the WEPS software version used for official purposes by NRCS field offices and Technical Service providers.
(WEPS) WebStart Software Download - Partners and External Customers
Additional Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) information
- Rangeland Resources & Systems Research Fort Collins, CO (Wind Erosion)
- Wind Erosion Research
- Wind Erosion Training Reference Material
WEPS Desktop v1.5.52 Software Download and Database Information (Archived)
For further information, contact:
Vacant | - |
Agronomist/National Erosion Database Steward
NRCS, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
Chris Coreil | 817-509-3213 | chris.coreil@usda.gov
National Erosion Specialist
NRCS, Central National Technology Support Center, Fort Worth, Texas