Rainfall simulation is a method used worldwide to assess the generation of overland flow, soil erosion, infiltration and related processes such as soil sealing, crusting, splash and redistribution of solids and solutes by raindrop impact. Data obtained from these simulations are of great significance for both, analysis of simulated processes and input data for soil erosion modelling. The reliability of these data is of major importance and consequently the quality management of rainfall simulation procedures is a general responsibility of the rainfall simulation-community. Rainfall simulators are also an excellent education tool that allows students to visually observe the hydrological and erosion processes that occur within the landscape.
Following the great success in 2015 and 2016, this session will join researchers that use simulated rainfall experiments for research and teaching purposes. Research studies, discussion papers, state-of-the-art contributions and new important topics like in situ simulations of wind-driven rain are very welcome. Like in 2015 and 2016, a special attention will be paid on challenges of the present and near future use of rainfall simulations concerning the comparability of results and scales, the quality of the data and further technical developments.