DVWK-Merkblatt 239 1996 PDF

Full title and description

STB DVWK‑Merkblatt 239 (1996) — "Bodenerosion durch Wasser: Kartieranleitung zur Erfassung aktueller Erosionsformen". A technical guidance leaflet published by the DVWK that provides standardized field and map methods for recording, classifying and documenting water‑driven soil erosion forms and their pathways into surface waters.

Abstract

This Merkblatt (technical note) offers a practical, landscape‑oriented mapping protocol for the identification and documentation of erosion features produced by water (splash, sheet, rill, gully, concentrated flow, bank erosion, etc.). It defines mapping symbols, documentation sheets and a short quantification approach so field observations can be recorded consistently and transferred into databases or GIS for analysis, cause assessment and planning of protective measures.

General information

• Status: Published (1996); widely used as a reference for erosion mapping; parts later incorporated into subsequent DWA/ATV‑DVWK publications and revisions.
• Publication date: 1996.
• Publisher: Deutscher Verband für Wasserwirtschaft und Kulturbau e.V. (DVWK) / ATV‑DVWK; original printing issued via Wirtschafts‑ und Verlagsgesellschaft Gas und Wasser (Bonn) and related GFA publications.
• ICS / categories: Environmental engineering / water management / soil conservation — subject categories: water erosion, soil protection, geomorphology, GIS mapping (no single ICS number specified in the original leaflet).
• Edition / version: Original DVWK Merkblatt edition 1996 (original working group: Fachausschuss Bodenerosion). Subsequent reworkings and related DWA documents have updated or extended its content.
• Number of pages: Approximately 62–64 pages in common printings; some distributions reference additional maps or annex material (format/extent varies by printing).

Scope

The leaflet defines a standardized field protocol for recording current water‑erosion features across agricultural and other landscapes, with the aim of mapping origin points, transport routes and entry points into sensitive receptors (streams, wetlands, reservoirs). It is intended for use at regional to local scales for damage mapping, cause analysis, monitoring and the design/prioritisation of soil‑ and water‑protection measures. The guidance addresses symbol sets, documentation sheets, basic quantification classes and recommendations for transferring results into GIS/databases.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and typology of erosion forms (splash, sheet/overland flow, rills, gullies, bank erosion, piping, sediment deposition).
• Standardized mapping symbols and map‑layout recommendations for consistent field cartography.
• Documentation sheets and attribute lists to record feature type, dimensions, activity status, likely causes and connectivity to watercourses.
• Basic field measurement procedures and classification/quantification classes for severity and extent.
• Guidance on landscape and land‑use factors to be recorded (soil, slope, land cover, management practices) for cause analysis.
• Instructions for preparing outputs suitable for GIS import and for integration with sediment‑loading and protective‑measure planning.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental consultants, soil conservationists, catchment and water‑quality authorities, river basin managers, university researchers and landscape planners. Typical applications include erosion damage surveys after high‑runoff events, baseline mapping for agri‑environment programmes, prioritisation of mitigation works (buffer strips, contour measures, retention basins) and preparation of GIS‑based sediment source inventories.

Related standards

Other DVWK / ATV‑DVWK / DWA Merkblätter and technical documents addressing related topics — e.g., DVWK/DWA documents on runoff and sediment assessment, later reworkings and harmonised DWA Merkblätter that incorporate or update procedures first presented in DVWK‑239 (examples include later DWA/ATV‑DVWK guidance on erosion mapping and soil protection; consult the DWA publication catalogue for the current normative references and the most recent revisions).

Keywords

Bodenerosion, Wassererosion, Kartieranleitung, Erosionsformen, Schadenskartierung, GIS, Bodenschutz, Gewässerschutz, Erosionsklassifikation, Dokumentationsblätter.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is a DVWK Merkblatt (number 239) published in 1996 that provides a practical mapping manual for recording and documenting erosion caused by water.

Q: What does it cover?

A: Field methods for identifying and classifying erosion features, mapping symbols, documentation forms, basic quantification classes, and guidance for transferring field data into GIS and databases to support analysis and remediation planning.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Land and water managers, environmental and soil consultants, catchment authorities, researchers and planners working on erosion assessment, monitoring and mitigation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The leaflet is the original 1996 guidance and remains a useful practical reference. Elements of DVWK‑239 have been reworked and incorporated into later ATV/DWA publications and newer DWA guidance; users should consult the DWA/ATV‑DVWK catalogue for any successor documents or current technical rules applicable in their jurisdiction.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the DVWK "Merkblätter zur Wasserwirtschaft" series (series number 239). The DVWK/ATV‑DVWK/DWA produced many related Merkblätter on hydrology, soil and water management that together form a body of technical guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bodenerosion, Wassererosion, Kartieranleitung, Erosionsformen, GIS, Schadenskartierung, Bodenschutz, Gewässerschutz.