THE USE OF THE MINIMUM BULK EROSION MAP TO IDENTIFY TRANSITION ZONES BETWEEN LANDSCAPES IN THE WEST REGION OF THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

This study aims to verify the applications of the minimum bulk erosion map in the western region of the State of Paraná. The minimum mass erosion map is an analysis proposal based on the altimetric combination between the digital elevation model (DEM), which basically consists of radar data, and the trend surface model (ridge level), which consists of a raster file where the terrain altitudes are leveled from the maximum real altitudes, within the scope of the DEM. With the aid of this mapping proposal, it was possible to identify two areas that were most eroded in the western region of Paraná: the hydrographic basins of the tributaries of the Paraná River downstream from Sete Quedas and the High/Middle Piquiri Plateau, located to the east. These most eroded areas consist of transient landscapes within the relictual landscape on the Third Plateau of Paraná. It was also possible to identify the transition zones between these two landscapes, which were associated with an intense process of drainage captures by decapitation, especially between the High/Middle Piquiri Plateau and the Campo Mourão Plateau.