Landscapes of the Formoso river watershed, Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil

Abstract

The present research aims to identify, classify and map the landscape units of the Formoso River Watershed, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. The classification is based on geological, hypsometric, slope, horizontal dissection, vertical dissection, and erosive potential energy data of the relief. In addition to soil and land use data, as well as several theoretical and cartographic references that deal with the karst and non-karst environment. The study identifies seven first-order landscape units and 23 s-order units. The distinction between karst and terrigenous (non-karst) systems stands out in the units, and different features are observed in the landscape. In Serra da Bodoquena and in the areas of poljes, the landscapes result from the karst process on rocks. In the residual hills, on the flat surfaces and in the alluvial plains, the landscapes present their genesis associated with rocks of terrigenous origin. The duality highlights the uniqueness of the area. The study presents the complexity and heterogeneity of the landscape, and aims to contribute and expand the studies of karst environments, promoting preservationist and conservationist actions, as well as public policies in areas with similar characteristics in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul.