Deforestation effects on sedimentary dynamic in the Taquari River (MS), Brazil

Abstract

Anthropogenic actions have rapidly changed the coverage and use in the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPR) region since 1970s, affecting the production of sediments in the slopes and directly impacting the rivers that drain into the Pantanal wetland. However, studies that quantify the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the sedimentary processes of UPR river systems are still scarce, making it impossible to understand the response of rivers to past and ongoing environmental changes. Looking to fill part of this research gap, the present project aims to investigate the geomorphological and sedimentary response of the Taquari River against the deforestation and changes in land use of its watershed since the 1970s. The estimation of changes in the sedimentary load of the river over time will be performed by mapping and quantifying river bars using time series of remote sensing products. The mapping of river bars will be carried out through visual interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite images in five different periods over the past 50 years. Data on deforestation and land-use change will be obtained from the literature. The comparison between geomorphological indicators (number and area of bars in the river), deforestation rates, and changes in land use over the same period will make it possible to assess the relationship between these processes. The results obtained will make it possible to understand how changes in land use impact rivers, contributing to supporting environmental management and planning actions. (AU)