Geomorphology and environmental planning in a region of socioenvironmental conflicts in the Brazilian amazon

Abstract

The western state of Pará region has attracted increasing investments due to its strategic position within a model of exportation in consolidation in Brazil, of commodity outflow via the Amazon waterway. This interest is accompanied by conflicts associated with the implementation of works, especially infrastructure and logistics and changes in land use, such as land conversion processes. Within this scenario, it is essential to have subsidies for an adequate environmental planning of both the works and the economic activities that have been proposed and implemented at a regional level. This work proposes, through geomorphological compartmentation on a suitable scale, to contribute to the environmental planning process of this region, focusing on the Maicá floodplain, situated in the Santarém municipality, pointing out the potentialities and vulnerabilities found in each compartment. Optical remote sensing and radar data acquired on the basis of the local hydrological regime, associated with official data (nautical and topographic charts) and field observations are used. The description of the identified compartments also provides elements for the discussion on the origin and evolution of the geomorphological forms and processes in the Amazon floodplain and “terra firme”, as well as providing the bases for more detailed studies that can investigate the relationships between the compartments found.