Analysis of surface runoff in the municipality of Marabá-PA using the Soil Conservation Service Method

Abstract

Surface runoff is a hydrological process characterized by the non-infiltration of water into the soil, and this runoff can cause serious environmental damage, such as erosion and river flooding. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze surface runoff using the NRCS method, using the variables of Land Use and Land Cover, Pedology, being represented by CN and making it possible to estimate the surface runoff of a given area in the periods of highest and lowest rainfall. According to the Atlas of Natural Disasters, Marabá was the municipality in the state of Pará with the highest number of flood events, 17, between 1991 and 2012. The results showed that the concrete and asphalt classes had the highest rates, with approximately 98% in type B and C soils, while the vegetation and grass classes had the lowest runoff rates with 70% and 60%, respectively, for type B soils and 80% and 73% in type C soils. Therefore, the application of the NRSC method and geoprocessing techniques made it possible to analyze the areas with the highest runoff rates, which can be used as a tool for environmental management and decision-making.