Abstract:This study focuses on the upper reach of the Yangtze River, the upper reach of the Yellow River, and the headwater areas of major rivers in the Qilian Mountains within Gansu Province to understand the effect of forest coverage on soil and water loss. Exacerbating soil erosion associated with waterpower, especially waterpower of intensive rainstorms manifests the deteriorating environments in Gansu. The erosion intensity is influenced by the average rainfall intensity, forest coverage, and spatial patterns o...