HYDROLOGICAL DYNAMICS, CONNECTIVITY AND VARIABILITY OF THE VEGETATION INDEX (NDVI) IN THE LOW COURSE OF PEIXE RIVER, WEST OF SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and analyze the spatial distribution of vegetation cover, through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), in river plain environments of the lower course of the Peixe River, based on its hydrological dynamics and aspects of connectivity in the river-plain-river system. The specific area of study is contained in the alluvial deposits of the lower course of the Peixe River. In this area is the Rio do Peixe State Park (PERP). In the drainage basin, there is intense use of pastures and sugar cane. The western stretch of the river is flooded by the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Porto Primavera (Paraná River) since 2001. For the development of this research, images were obtained from the satellites Landsat-5 Landsat 7 and Landsat-8, treated through geoprocessing techniques and digital processing of orbital images, using a geographic information system (GIS). Thematic maps were prepared from the application of the NDVI, which helped in the interpretation and understanding of the alternation of wetlands and/or with vegetation cover. It was possible to verify that during periods with higher waters in the river, the vegetation with higher biomass was more developed and there was a decrease in the vegetation with lower biomass after the start of operation of Porto Primavera dam.

Keywords: River-Plain System. River Morphology. Connectivity. Biomass Index NDVI. Peixe River.