Morphometric analysis of the Córrego Rico watershed, Jaboticabal - SP, Brazil

Abstract

The main morphometric characteristics of the Córrego Rico Watershed in Jaboticabal, State of São Paulo, Brazil, were measured with the objective of evaluating the drainage system, analyzing the environmental impact caused by the human activities and developing models of soil and water conservation programs in the area. The aspects of the geographic conformation of the area, soil, runoff and the relief were analyzed by the following morphometric characteristics of the drainage basin: dimensional, the drainage pattern and relief. For such, vertical aerial pictures, with scale of :35.000 were used, and the hydrographic basin of 6th order of magnitude was considered the fundamental physiographic unit. The basins of 2nd order of magnitude showed a different development due to the structural and topographical processes, resulting in soils in advanced state of dissection, mainly in the hill slopes. The relationship between the degree of development of the superficial alteration and the evolution of its drainage nets were differentiated for each soil unit. For a program aiming the sustainable development, soil management and conservation practices and the maintenance of the headwater with its forest remnants, and the restoration of the degraded riparian vegetation must be recommending.Additional keywords: geomorphology; soil; geographic information system.