Análise dos aspectos fisiográficos da bacia hidrográfica do córrego São José, município de Ituiutaba/MG

Abstract

Anthropogenic action on nature has increased considerably over the years. Consequently, the society from the process of appropriation and occupation of the land has shaped and transformed the landscape, besides consuming natural resources excessively, resulting in the disruption of the dynamic balance of natural processes and the manifestation of negative environmental impacts on watersheds. Thus, the watershed is one of the most used research units in geographic-geomorphological studies and plays a crucial role in urban and environmental planning, because it makes it possible to understand the problems arising from the relationship between society and nature. In this sense, the main objective of this study was to analyze the physiographic aspects of the São José Stream watershed, municipality of Ituiutaba/MG, in order to understand the natural dynamics and how the disorderly use and occupation has caused different negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, it seeks to demonstrate how knowledge of these aspects can contribute to urban and environmental planning. To this end, the following methodological procedures were used: a) Literature review on the main concepts addressed; b) Field work and photographic records to support the characterization and verification of thematic mappings; c) Preparation of thematic maps, such as area location, river hierarchy, hypsometry, slope, geomorphological compartments and land use and coverage; d) Extraction and analysis of morphometric parameters. As a result, it was found that the drainage basin of the São José stream has a drainage area of 21.61 km² and a perimeter of 35.6 km, being considered a small basin. The study area has a low tendency to large floods due to its elongated shape, which favors surface runoff, besides presenting a gently undulating relief with low altimetric amplitude that presents a small susceptibility to the occurrence of erosive processes. From the anaglyph method with the use of three-dimensional images and photointerpretation, four geomorphological compartments were identified: the tops, slopes, alluvial plains and alveolus domains, and the tabular reliefs, as well as V-shaped and cradled valley bottoms, amphitheater drainage headlands, and the concave, convex, and rectilinear slopes. Regarding the use and occupation of land in the watershed area, it was found that 46% of its land was urbanized and the areas of agriculture and pasture are concentrated in the upper course of the main channel, besides a small strip of natural vegetation contained along the waterways, considered insufficient and cause environmental impacts such as flooding, erosion and silting up of the waterways. In this sense, it is noted the importance of a more in-depth study of the São José stream watershed, in order to subsidize the urban and environmental planning of the municipality.