Morphometry of the drainage network of the Iguatemi Planning and Management Unit, Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil

Abstract

Analysing a drainage net through a morphometric method (at its linear and areal scopes) is relevant to Geomorphology because it allows the comprehension of own drainage scope (drainage is a main factor of formation at relief design). Thus, this research aims to realize a morphometric analysis of the Unity of Management and Planning of Iguatemi River, which is geographically located at the south sector of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil (a region that has few studies about this matter). We have used the method of Christofoletti (1980), an analysis that entangles a wide range of morphometric parameters to understand the configuration and the spatialization of the drainage net. The results have showing a study area with a strong tectonic control (even the format of its main river, Iguatemi, confirms that affirmation). There was quantified 5,557 water channels that are linked with a ninth-order river. These statistics are showing a study area with a good quantity of water channels, specially at its south sector (a more dissected sector with a high number of short Horton's first-order streams) with an also short superficial runoff track of only 410 metres at its average. Because of the regional agriculture expansion process, this technical information is relevant to the public and private sectors and local society, and these information aims to preserve the water, that is the most important richness that this area has.