Mapping and analysis of seasonal environmental vulnerability on São Luís Island, Maranhão

Abstract

This Soil erosion is a natural phenomenon that plays a role in the configuration of the landscape and is influenced by several factors, such as climate, relief, soil type, vegetation cover, geomorphology and terrain slope. However, its intensification occurs due to unplanned human action, known as 'land use changes'. In this study, the objective was to analyze environmental vulnerability to soil erosion on the island of São Luís, considering seasonal interference, using a method based on map algebra. The results revealed the significant influence of climate and mangroves on the island, in four different scenarios. The most vulnerable seasons were identified as summer and autumn, associated with the rainiest periods in the Brazilian Amazon. Thus, the use of meteorological stations as a monitoring tool emerged as a crucial aspect in this study. Therefore, the implementation of an adequate urban drainage network adapted to the urban scenario, directly impacted by rapid population growth, is a priority measure. This aims to prevent intense rain events from transforming the region into disaster-prone environments.