Hydrological heritage: a historical exploration of human-water dynamics in northeast Brazil

Author(s)

Pereira, Bruno Silva ; Uchoa, Jose Gescilam S. M. ; Freitas, Gabriela Seguesse ; Meira Neto, Antonio A. ; Anache, Jamil A. A. ; Wendland, Edson C. ; Mendiondo, Eduardo Mario ; Medeiros, Pedro H. A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL-JOURNAL DES SCIENCES HYDROLOGIQUES; v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2025-02-09.

Abstract

Severe droughts have historically plagued Brazil's semi-arid region, leading to mass migrations and significant loss of life. Although these events have sparked a unique coevolutionary relationship between humans and water systems in this region, this historical narrative remains largely unexplored from a hydrological point of view. This study delves into the multifaceted history of droughts and the development of water infrastructure in the region by compiling and analysing historical records, official documents, drought literature novels, and newspaper reports. Thus, this study demonstrates that societal perception and regional memory emerge as feasible pathways of hydrological heritage towards community resilience to droughts. Through this regional analysis, valuable insights are provided for understanding human-water system interactions and offering potential lessons for other regions grappling with similar challenges. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/07521-5 - Global changes and sustainable development with water-energy viability and economic solvency
• Grantee: Eduardo Mario Mendiondo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/15434-0 - SACRE: integrated water solutions for resilient cities
• Grantee: Ricardo César Aoki Hirata
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/08468-0 - Flash drought event evolution characteristics and the response mechanism to climate change considering the spatial correlation
• Grantee: Eduardo Mario Mendiondo
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/13160-8 - IMPACT LAND USE AND LAND COVER AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON HYDROLOGICAL FLOWS BETWEEN GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER IN THE GUARANI AQUIFER OUTCROP ZONE
• Grantee: José Gescilam Sousa Mota Uchôa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate