AVALIAÇÃO DA DEGRADAÇÃO DO CERRADO NA BACIA DO SÃO FRANCISCO – MINAS GERAIS – BRASIL EVALUATION OF DEGRADATION OF THE CERRADO SÃO FRANCISCO BASIN – MINAS GERAIS - BRASIL

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study sought to understand the levels of temporal progression of the degradation of the cerrado for an area located in the Alto Médio São Francisco, north of Minas Gerais, over an approximate period of 40 years, precisely in the years 1973-1975, 1984, 1993, 2003, 2009 and 2011. Using Digital Image Processing (PDI) techniques, thematic maps were developed and the varying levels of degradation of the cerrado were perceived. Given the complexity of land use and occupation in that region and to try to simplify the understanding of the evolution of the degradation process, the studied location was classified into six fundamental themes: cerrado, anthropogenic plantations, exposed soil, “other” aspects, riparian forest and water. From the studies carried out, the worrying evolution of the deterioration of the cerrado in the area of interest was noted.