PRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISK SCENARIOS: THE CASE OF THE COASTAL PLAIN IN ARACAJU/SERGIPE

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the production of environmental risk scenarios in coastal areas, focusing on the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Based on the relationship between hazard and vulnerability, from the perspective of Geoecology, we hypothesized a correlation between the natural structuring of the landscape, anthropogenic leads and the appearance of risk scenarios. The study stands on the analysis of satellite images, drone overflights, assessment of the units’ susceptibility, and the analysis of the occupation process and inducing agents. Results indicate that despite the different levels of anthropogenic lead of the landscape, great changes occurred in the natural structuring, which associated with the lack of appropriate urban infrastructure, let the resident population more vulnerable. Moreover, analyzing the landscape units and measuring susceptibility, we found great chances of both flooding and coastal erosion. Therefore, as a conclusion, we find that the coastal area from Aracaju has biophysical characteristics that are determinant for those dangers to manifest. This factor, associated with the rupture of the natural structuring resulting from anthropogenic interventions, has systematically produced risk situations.