Abstract:The patterns of spatial distribution of soil erosion and its relations with environmental factors in a range of topographical types in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were studied through general survey and the establish ment of permanent and temporary plots.The mechanism of silt transfer and principles of soil erosion were described and the ratios of silt transfer of watersheds were determined,0.6-0.7 for the watersheds with an area smaller than 5 km2 and 0.3 for those smaller than 30 km2.Quantitative models to predict soil erosion in the slopes and watershede were also established.