Mapping of Susceptible Areas to Environmental Fragility in the Upper São Francisco River Basin, National Park of Serra da Canastra - MG

• Grant number: 12/07795-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Physical Geography
• Principal Investigator: Marcos César Ferreira
• Grantee: Cassiano Gustavo Messias
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The terrestrial landscape is being reshaped by human occupation, especially due to technical adjustments required by the development of society. In general, these changes are directly related to anthropogenic exploitation of natural resources, to meet market demands. This project aims to evaluate the degree of environmental fragility of different areas of the National Park of Serra da Canastra. Located in southwestern Minas Gerais, the park was created in 1972 with the aim to preserve natural ecosystems still exist in this region, among others. The methodology to be followed in that search is based on mapping of environmental fragility areas, with the adaptation of Ross (1994) method. That modified methodology uses, as environmental variables, vegetation index, heavy rainfall probability occurrence, terrain slope, and roads density. These variables will be processed in geographic information systems, using spatial analysis techniques, which combine Boolean and fuzzy logic. The research also aims to analyze the possible impact of changes in the management plan of the park, in the future, which would decrease their area and bring many consequences for biodiversity and conservation. Also be mapped erosion sites, which subsequently will be compared with the spatial distribution of environmental variables mentioned. The spatial analysis techniques used in this project will be essential to a better understanding of how these environmental variables influence the environmental fragility of conservation units.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MESSIAS, Cassiano Gustavo. Mapping of suceptible areas to environmental fragility in the upper Sao Francisco river basin, National Park of Serra da Canastra. 2014. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Geociências Campinas, SP.