"FALLEN LANDS", THE NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES: AN OCCURRENCE IN THE COMMUNITY OF SAN CARLOS - MADEIRA RIVER MEDIUM COURSE/ RO

Abstract

This article aims to study the natural and anthropogenic causes of the process of fluvial erosion on the Madeira River, called by the local population as “fallen lands”. The community of San Carlos was chosen as the study area for presenting an advanced process of erosion caused by landslides in a segment of the Madeira River, located in the medium course. We carried out a detailed bibliographic literature review and two expeditions of multidisciplinary studies to achieve the proposed objectives in June 2011, the beginning of the ebb tides. These dates were established because they allowed a better visualization of the phenomenon previously discussed. It was found that the genesis of the phenomenon lies in the combination of several natural factors, but is aggravated by human action. During each ebb of the river, meters of “embankment” are taken from the slopes, directly impacting the riverside population’s routine, (which from one climate season to another) is forced to leave their homes because now they are in a hazardous area. Due to the importance of the historical process of occupation and education of these communities of the lower Madeira River, it is imperative that mitigation measures be taken to preserve the fragile alluvial banks where architectural historical sites run a serious risk of being literally carried downstream.