LAND USE DYNAMICS IN AREAS OF HIGH LANDFORM ENERGY: GEOCONSERVATION SUPPORT AT ARCO-ÍRIS WATERFALL (RS-BRAZIL)

Abstract

This research analyzes the dynamics of land uses in areas of high energy in the relief of the Cachoeira do Arco-Íris sub-basin, in order to identify susceptible locations to morphogenetic and morphodynamic processes that may have consequences on the waterfall, an important geopatrimonial element of Pelotas (RS/Brazil). Two maps of land cover and use for the years 2010 and 2017 and the relief energy map for the area under study were prepared. The land uses were selected and related to the high relief energies (very strong, strong and moderately strong classes). The high energy relief areas represent 61.3% of the sub-basin. There was an 8.9% increase in land use. Land uses located in areas of high relief energy increased from 40.6% to 51.1%, especially in niche areas of springs and at the confluence of first-order channels. Temporary cultures were protagonists of this expansion. The monitoring of land uses in areas of high relief energy must be maintained and measures must be taken in order to avoid soil degradation and loss, which can have consequences on the environmental integrity of the waterfall.