Leonardo Pereira e Silva

Erosivity, surface runoff, and soil erosion estimation using GIS-coupled runoff–erosion model in the Mamuaba catchment, Brazil

This study evaluates erosivity, surface runoff generation, and soil erosion rates for Mamuaba catchment, sub-catchment of Gramame River basin (Brazil) by using the ArcView Soil and Water Assessment Tool (AvSWAT) model. Calibration and validation of the model was performed on monthly basis, and it could simulate surface runoff and soil erosion to a good level of accuracy. Daily rainfall data between 1969 and 1989 from six rain gauges were used, and the monthly rainfall erosivity of each station was computed for all the studied years. In order to evaluate the calibration and validation of the model, monthly runoff data between January 1978 and April 1982 from one runoff gauge were used as well. The estimated soil loss rates were also realistic when compared to what can be observed in the field and to results from previous studies around of catchment. The long-term average soil loss was estimated at 9.4 t ha(-1) year(-1); most of the area of the catchment (60%) was predicted to suffer from a low- to moderate-erosion risk (<6 t ha(-1) year(-1)) and, in 20% of the catchment, the soil erosion was estimated to exceed > 12 t ha(-1) year(-1). Expectedly, estimated soil loss was significantly correlated with measured rainfall and simulated surface runoff. Based on the estimated soil loss rates, the catchment was divided into four priority categories (low, moderate, high and very high) for conservation intervention. The study demonstrates that the AvSWAT model provides a useful tool for soil erosion assessment from catchments and facilitates the planning for a sustainable land management in northeastern Brazil.

Spatial analysis of vegetal cover and sediment yield in Tapacurá river catchment based on remote sensing and GIS

Spatial analysis of vegetal cover and sediment yield in Tapacurá river catchment based on remote sensing and GIS Mapping and assessment of erosion risk is an important tool for planning of natural resources management, allowing researchers to propose modification in land-use properly and implement more sustainable management strategies in the long-term. The Tapacurá river catchment, located in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil, is one of the planning units for management of water resources of Recife Metropilitan Region (RMR), and it is divided into 12 sub-basins. The objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial variability of vegetal cover and sediment yield in this basin through remote sensing and GIS techniques. Maps of the erosivity (R), erodibility (K), topographic (LS), cover-management (C) and support practice (P) factors were derived from the digital elevation model (DEM), climate database, and soil and NDVI maps, taking into account information available in the literature. In order to validate the simulation process, Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) was estimated. The obtained NDVI map showed vegetation loss during the analyzed period, indicating a distinct contrast between loss and gains of vegetation index. The vegetation and sediment yield mapping showed to be a useful tool for environmental monitoring and management, which can provide satisfactory results when jointly used. The results suggest a mean SDR around 0.9 and estimate the sediment yield as 23.98 ton/ha/month. Analiza przestrzenna ilości sedymentu oraz pokrywy roślinnej w zlewni rzeki Tapacura określona na podstawie zdalnych obserwacji oraz analizy GIS Artykuł przedstawia sposób wykorzystania zebranych w terenie danych dotyczących pokrywy roślinnej oraz ilości sedymentu określonego za pomocą zdalnych obserwacji oraz analizy GIS w celu monitorowania środowiska i zarządzania zlewniami. W pracy wykorzystano metodę USLE-SDR, a także cyfrowy model terenu. Badania prowadzono w zlewni rzeki Tapacura w północno-wschodniej Brazylii. Wyniki sugerują przyjęcie wartości parametru SDR = 0,9, a oszacowana wielkość transportu rumowiska wynosi 23,98 t/ha/miesiąc.