PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF FLOODS AND RUNOFFS IN THE ICONHA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN, STATE OF ESPÍRITO SANTO

Abstract

Floods andrunoffs are hydrological phenomena that occur in drainage basins and which, in addition to being conditioned by the terrain physiographic characteristics, are alsoenhanced by direct and indirect anthropic alterations in drainage basins, especially in urban areas. Therefore, this survey aimed to discuss, from thesystemic perspective, certain physical and social characteristics related to the occurrenceof floods andrunoffs in the Iconha River drainage basin, located in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The methodology consisted of bibliographic survey on the discussed themes,digital mapping in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment of the drainage basin physical and social selected characteristics–average annual precipitation (1947-2012), relief slope, hypsometry, soils and land use and cover –and field research. The analysis and interrelationships established between these characteristicswere satisfactory to better understand the genesis and magnitude of floods and runoffs in the drainage basin and may guide planning and decision-making actions.