Modeling of the spatial and temporal dynamics of erosivity in the Amazon

• Published in: Modeling earth systems and environment 2020-03, Vol.6 (1), p.513-523
• Main Authors: dos Santos Silva, Danielle Sebastiana, Blanco, Claudio José Cavalcante, dos Santos Junior, Cláudio Sebastião, Martins, Wanleysson Larry Dias
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annual rainfall; Atmospheric precipitations; Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth System Sciences; Ecosystems; Environment; Environmental policy; Geographical information systems; Grain crops; Land conservation; Land management; Land use; Math. Appl. in Environmental Science; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Morphing; Original Article; Pasture; Physics; Precipitation; Rain; Rain gauges; Rainfall; Rainy season; Soil erosion; Statistics for Engineering; Temporal distribution; Thematic mapping; Wet season
• ISSN: 2363-6203; 2363-6211
• DOI: 10.1007/s40808-019-00697-6

Precipitation is one of the main factors of soil erosion, and the intensity, duration and frequency of precipitation can aggravate the erosive process. The objective of the study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall erosivity in the Amazon. Data were collected from 334 rainfall gauge stations distributed throughout the region, composing a series of 20 years (1997–2016). The gaps in this series were filled with satellite data using the CPC MORPHing technique. The erosivity equations used were those available in the literature and based on the modified Fournier index. The values of precipitation and erosivity were interpolated using GIS software, and thematic maps were generated for these variables. The annual value of rainfall erosivity ranged from 7060 to 36767 (Mj mm ha −1  h −1  year −1 ). On the monthly scale, the highest rates of erosivity were recorded in the rainy season, i.e., February and March, at approximately 1548 and 2651 (Mj mm ha −1  h −1  month −1 ), respectively. In the context of erosion risk, the region was classified as having very strong erosivity. Therefore, it is imperative that land management and conservation policies be implemented to minimize erosion in the region, which, at its borders, undergoes intense land use change, i.e., forests are being transformed into pastures and grain crops.