Analysis of precipitation episodes and impacts in the city of São Carlos-SP: floods and floodings

Abstract

The population increase in urban areas of Brazil, occurring mainly from the second half of the twentieth century, coupled with the lack of or inadequate planning and disorderly occupation is reflected in the current socio-environmental vulnerability exists in most cities of the country. Atmospheric phenomena such as episodes of concentrated or intense rainfall, which are part of natural climate variability in tropical areas, often trigger disorders and affects the quality of life of the population.Facts such as channeling and straightening of streams and rivers, the high degree of soil sealing, the occupation of flood plains and hillsides, the scarcity of vegetation cover land, etc, coupled with still other forms of non-compliance with environmental legislation and deficiencies in the Master Plan of many municipalities, become even more vulnerable to various risks, a large portion of the Brazil population.Thinking about the vulnerabilities and risks in Brazil urban areas, this project aim is analyze the areas with flood or flooding resulting from rainfall events during 1980 to 2009 in São Carlos / SP, in order to understand the generated processes of these impacts and its correlation with urban growth. The main study theoretical reference will be the urban climate system (MONTEIRO, 1976) through the channel hydrometeors.São Carlos weather data, newspaper articles with news about impacts of heavy rainfall in urban areas (floods and flooding) and records of occurrences of Civil Defense and Fire Department of the municipality will be used to analyze.