Morfodinamics units and urban enviroment management: the case of Morangueira creeck basin - Maringá - doi: 10.4025/bolgeogr.v28i1.8837

Abstract

The present study aims at identifying morphodynamic units at the basin of Morangueira stream, as well as evaluating its environmental potentiality and risks, in order to subsidize future geoenvironmental zoning projects in Maringa, Parana, Brazil. The referred basin is located at an important geographical area in Maringa. Around 40% of its territory is urbanized. Based on morphological, morphometrical, pedological and data, as well as data on of soil use and occupation, three morphodynamic units were identified at the basin of Morangueira stream: High Course Morphodynamic Unit (UMAC), Medium Course Morphodynamic Unit (UMMC) and Low Course Morphodynamic Unit (UMBC). UMAC is located at the upper interfluve, which goes along the northeast and is practically totally urbanized. Because of that, it is also an area suffering from the greatest environmental pressures. UMMC areas are located at the basin medium course. It corresponds to the transitional zone, between rural and urban locations. Although this unit presents proper conditions for urbanizing, the relief presents some restrictions for its use. UMBC is occupied by farming activities at the tops and at the valley bottom and by cattle rising at the medium slope. Due to higher morphodynamic risks and shallow soils, this unit is not favorable for urban use and restricted for rural use, indicated for constituting nature reserves and parks.