ENVIRONMENTAL FRAGILITY IN THE UPPER COURSE OF THE SEPOTUBINHA RIVER, MUNICIPALITY OF SANTO AFONSO - MT
Fragility; Anthropization; Environmental damage.
This research conducted studies in the hydrographic basin in the upper course of the Sepotubinha river, municipality of Santo Afonso - MT, considering the occupation process, transformations and characteristics of the natural environment. The work aimed to chacacterize environmental fragility and transformations in the landscape. The research was conducted in several stages. Firstly, we reviewed relevant literature, including books, book chapters, theses, dissertations, and government websites, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Mapping of geo-environmental units (geology, geomorphology, soil, climate, hydrography land cover and use) and field research were also carried out. In the study area, a recognition of the area was made, where a field visit took place to understand the natural dynamics and transformations that have occured in the landscapes. Subsequently, locations were selected to build trenches for morphological analysis of the soil and sample collection, prioritizing road embankments. The samples were analysed for chemical and physical characteristics. The research showed that the process of landscape transformation caused by the forms of land use and occupation during the period from 1991 to 2021, the potential and emerging fragility within the classes considered (very low, low, medium and high) represented a dominant medium class. The results made it possible to understand the physical-natural dynamics of the area, the process of transformation and environmental degradation. The research reflects on the vulnerability and fragility of the natural resources present in the studied area and the need to adopt planning in the use and management of natural resources, using techniques that can guarantee productivity and reduce the negative impacts on the environment. The research showed that the process of landscape transformation caused by the forms of land use and occupation during the period from 1991 to 2021, the potential and emerging fragility, within the classes considered (very low, low, medium and high), showed a dominant medium class. The results made it possible to understand the physical-natural dynamics of the area, the process of transformation and environmental degradation. The research reflects on the vulnerability and susceptibility of the natural resources present in the area studied and the need to adopt planning in the use and management of natural resources with the use of techniques that can guarantee productivity and reduce the negative impact on the environment.