Fragilidade ambiental aplicado ao uso do relevo na paisagem da serra do bauzinho Ituiutaba-mg/Capinópolis-mg

Abstract

Environmental fragility, as proposed by Ross (1994), is based on the concept of Ecodynamic Units developed by Tricart (1977), defined as areas whose natural and anthropogenic characteristics determine their degree of stability or vulnerability. Stable Ecodynamic Units represent environments in dynamic equilibrium, while Unstable Units are characterized by alterations resulting from human interventions. In this context, environmental fragility assesses the susceptibility of environments to degradative processes, considering factors such as relief, soil, vegetation cover, and land use. This study applied Ross’s (1994) methodology to map and categorize environmental fragility levels in the Serra do Bauzinho area, located between the municipalities of Ituiutaba-MG and Capinópolis-MG. The research analyzed the relief and its interaction with land use, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and map algebra. Fragility was classified into potential and emergent, integrating variables such as slope, geomorphology, soil types, and land use patterns. The results revealed that areas with high slopes and reduced vegetation cover exhibit higher emergent fragility, indicating greater susceptibility to erosive processes and degradation. Conversely, areas of tabular hilltops and gently undulating hills showed greater stability, being classified as low or very low potential fragility. This information is crucial for environmental planning and sustainable land management, enabling the identification of priority areas for conservation and mitigation of environmental impacts. The research reaffirms the relevance of Ross’s (1994) methodology for applied studies and its ability to be replicated in similar contexts, contributing to territorial planning and the conscious use of natural resources.