UNIDADES DA PAISAGEM EM RELEVOS DE CHAPADA NO NORTE DE MINAS GERAIS – BRASIL

Abstract

The landscape is characterized by the interaction of natural and anthropogenic elements in geographic space, being the result of processes over time. The dynamics of these units significantly interfere in the evolution process of certain areas. As an example, we have units such as wetlands (AUs) in river basins, such as the Córrego Catolé (BHCC) and the Borrachudo stream (BHRB), essential for understanding the evolution of the dynamics of these landscapes. The work sought to identify and characterize landscape units in river basins on plateau reliefs in the north of Minas Gerais – the BHCC and the BHRB. Initially, a bibliographical review was carried out on studies that involved integrated landscape analysis through geotechnology. The identification of landscape units was carried out using physiographic elements obtained from freely accessible government databases. Finally, layers were superimposed, the landscape units were individualized and characterized. The results demonstrate that the region is marked by around 80% sedimentary coverage, which directly affects the geomorphology, pedology, slope, hypsometry, and land use and cover. After overlapping these elements, 6 landscape units were identified in the BHCC and 7 units in the BHRB. The highest occurrence in both basins was the Intermediate Plateau, with denser Cerrado and AUs. The variety of units in the basins is explained by the different stages of regional geomorphological evolution in which each one is found, with the BHRB appearing to be at a more advanced stage, reflecting more dissected landscapes in its middle course. Despite the similarity of the physical context, the basins have a diverse picture in their geoenvironmental units, which can be attributed to the process of dissection by the river network. This process is evident in both basins, reflecting transformations in the AUs in the upstream direction. Therefore, the importance of further studies for better environmental planning is highlighted.