Mapping and classification of watersheds affected by hydro geomorphological processes in the Serra do Mar Paulista: foundation for planning and mitigation actions

• Grant number: 22/04233-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Henrique Grohmann de Carvalho
• Grantee: Vivian Cristina Dias
• Host Institution: Instituto de Energia e Ambiente (IEE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Debris flows and debris floods are among the most destructive types of hydrogeomorphologic processes. The potential to transport a variety of materials over long distances is one of the main causes of the destruction of urban infrastructures and human losses. There are many triggering factors related to debris flows and debris floods, highlighting the watershed dynamic and its morphometry. In Brazil, the studies about debris flows are very important both due to the frequency of the occurrences and the high number of casualties and economic losses. In this way, the aim of this project is the evaluation and characterization of watersheds for the occurrence of hydrogeomorphologic processes in the Serra do Mar in Sao Paulo State. To reach this goal, the following methodological steps: (a) delimitation and morphometric characterization of the watersheds in the Serra do Mar in Sao Paulo State; (b) mapping of previous occurrences; (c) classification of the watersheds using the susceptibility and magnitude potential index. As result, it is expected to contribute to the understanding of debris flow dynamics within the scope of geomorphology and natural hazards prevention in Brazil. The production of a free data bank with information about past occurrences in the Serra do Mar in Sao Paulo State is also expected to contribute to future works and mitigation and planning policies. (AU)