The MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RIBEIRÃO SANTA MARTA MICROBAIN, IBITIRAMA-ES

Abstract

The morphometric characterization allows to know and understand the hydrological and environmental dynamics of a study site, because it determines and allows to evaluate some characteristics that indicate the hydrological and lithological behavior, the storage, and the susceptibility to floods, inundations and erosive processes. The present work aims to morphometrically characterize the Santa Marta stream watershed (BHRSM), located in the municipality of Ibitirama, in the south of the state of Espírito Santo, obtaining the morphometric parameters with the aid of the Geographic Information System (GIS). The evaluated parameters include geometric, drainage network and relief characteristics. The BHRSM has a more elongated, narrow and irregular shape, a fact confirmed by the high value of the compactness coefficient (Kc) and the low values ​​of the shape factor (Kf) and the circularity index (Ic). According to the characteristics of the drainage network, the microbasin is of 4th order and has a good drainage system, which reduces the risks of flooding and inundation. The relief characteristics indicate that the basin has a faster surface runoff, a shorter concentration time and a certain susceptibility to floods and erosive processes. Furthermore, the shape and conservation status of this watershed has given it a low vulnerability to flooding and erosion under normal precipitation conditions.