Mapeamento geomorfológico e análise da distribuição dos remanescentes florestais na bacia hidrográfica do rio Caceribu.

Abstract

The watershed is a relief unit that comprises the area drained by a river system, and the state of conservation of the vegetation exerts a direct influence on its dynamic equilibrium. The deforestation in areas of river sources, for example, can cause negative impacts throughout the basin. Helping in environmental studies, information obtained through remote sensing technology has been widely used in recent years. The interpretation of the images allows the generation of maps, through computational tools of geoprocessing, from where it is possible to extract information about a certain theme. One of the main approaches of the application of this technology is in the surveys of land use and land cover, a fundamental information for the understanding of the human manifestations. In addition, geoprocessing also offers possibilities for the morphometric analysis of the relief, through graphical and quantitative representations extracted from models that characterize the terrain. The present research aims to analyze the distribution of forest remnants by geomorphological domains and sub-basins in the Caceribu River Basin, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. After the mapping of geomorphological domains and land use and land cover, the crossing of these data presented the mountain domains as carriers of the greatest amount of forest fragments, with 149km². In addition, 54% of the first-order sub-basins, located at river sources, are classified as degraded, and 12 were classified as degraded and steep, characteristics more susceptible to erosion. This information may provide support for reforestation initiatives, for example by identifying priority areas for such deployments. Finally, the spatial analysis of forest fragmentation patterns revealed the ecological corridors class as the predominant one in the basin, with 35%, followed by other patterns such as edges, branches and clearings. This information can guide in the application of decision making. In view of this, the present research intends to generate products that subsidize the future elaboration of management plans that aim at the maintenance or environmental recovery of the study area.