Geoindicators based on field survey for land degradation in loam areas characterization

Abstract

Soils and sediments exploitation for its usage as raw construction materials causes several environmental impacts. These activities imply excavations whose can change surface water circulation processes resulting erosion and silting creating degraded areas. In the past, the absent of laws controlling these exploitations results in several areas of environmental liabilities. One of these locations was the region surrounding Ilha Solteira Dam. In previous projects (#2005/57386-1 and #2006/01962-7) we proposed and tested several geoindicators in order to determine degradation levels in these areas using in field (including surveys like mechanical and geophysical soundings) and laboratory tests in soils. In this project is proposed the use and check of more simple geoindicators (emphasizing erosion processes occurred post areas deactivation), surveyed from field observation, and its validation based on previous (field and laboratory) surveys from older projects. Degradation intensity classification must permit recuperation alternatives purposes for each case. Confirming the efficacy of the proposed goeindicators, it can be a interesting alternative for quick and low cost degradation evaluation.