Characterization of the Physical-natural Units of the Hinterland Surface of the Pacoti Drainage Basin, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

Because of the importance of preserving natural resources, especially drainage basins, it is essential to identify and manage the different types of natural landscapes found in these units, allowing the ecological balance of these regions. The application of geoprocessing techniques helps environmental agencies to make decisions, map and monitor the local conditions. The research proposes an examination of the Pacoti Drainage Basin, especially on its hinterland surface. The following cartographic databases were raised: Multimodal map of the state of Ceará scale 1:900,000, 2013, DENIT; Map of Geoenvironmental Subdivision Macroregion of Planning, scale 1:6,000,000, [5]; Simplified Geological Map of Ceará, scale 1:600,000 2015; Map of Phytoecological Units of Ceará, scale 1:600,000, FUNCEME, 2007; Weather Map of Ceará, scale 1:600,000. The mapped physiographic characteristics are the climate, geology, geomorphology, soil, vegetation, land use and occupation, and conservation units. Therefore, geo-technology has become a decisive factor in the identification and analysis of the local physiographic characteristics.