Historical precipitation series are essential for conducting hydrological studies; however, their quality may be compromised by missing data in the records. In such cases, the use of gap-filling methods is crucial to ensure data consistency and continuity. Although different methods are used to fill gaps in rainfall time series, studies that systematically evaluate the influence of the selection of supporting stations on the accuracy of the estimates are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of the selection of supporting rain gauge stations on gap filling in historical precipitation series. Nine rainfall stations were selected in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, eight of which were used as supporting stations for filling gaps in the central station. Missing data rates of 10% and 40% were simulated, and the missing values were filled using the Linear Regression method. The performance of the fillings was evaluated through the RMSE, SMAPE, and NSE indices. The results indicated good performance of the Linear Regression method for gap filling and highlighted the importance of conducting a detailed spatial analysis of the region, considering topographic features, to select nearby stations free from orographic barriers, ensuring greater reliability in the completion of rainfall series.
The environmental vulnerability of the Mutum Creek basin (358 km(2), Bonito County, Mato Grosso do Sul) was assessed using the Natural Vulnerability to Soil Loss method. Potential vulnerability was evaluated by integrating the natural characteristics of Basic Territorial Units, while emergency vulnerability was determined based on land use and occupation data. The potential vulnerability assessment revealed natural protection against soil loss, with 25.8% of the area categorized as stable, 69.4% as moderately stable, and 4.8% as fairly stable/vulnerable. As regards emergency vulnerability, 39.38% of the basin area was considered stable and fairly stable/vulnerable, while 60.62% was categorized as moderately vulnerable and vulnerable. The results showed that moderately vulnerable and vulnerable areas can undergo rapid degradation, owing to heightened land use activity. Soil conservation practices, such as terracing, preservation of vegetation cover, contour lines, and reforestation of Areas of Permanent Protection, should be implemented before the problems identified reach critical levels.
This study analyzed the population structure and natural regeneration dynamics of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth in a savanna area in Amap & aacute;, Brazil. Data were collected in four 10 x 250 m plots, including all adult and regenerating individuals with a minimum height of 20 cm. The adult structure was characterized by diameter and height classes, using exponential regression and De Liocourt's q-quotient to assess the fit to the inverted-J model, alongside spatial analysis via the Morisita Index. For the regeneration component, we evaluated diameter and height classes, spatial distribution relative to adults, and rates of natural regeneration (NGR), mortality, and recruitment. The horizontal structure of adults was balanced and followed the inverted-J pattern, while the vertical structure showed irregularities potentially linked to fire events. Spatial distribution was aggregate. We observed an increase in regenerants and recruits, low mortality, and positive NGR, signaling population growth. The regenerating cohort maintained a balanced structure across both years, with occurrence closely linked to the presence of adults, suggesting continuous self-regeneration of the species in the study area.
Floods represent one of the most recurrent natural disasters, causing serious consequences for populations. Haiti, in particular, faces repeated flooding, especially in Petit-Goave, associated with the rainy season, hurricanes, and tropical storms. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of hydrogeomorphological aspects to the occurrence of flooding in Petit-Goave, examining the relationship between geomorphology and water accumulation in the La Digue River watershed. A hydrogeomorphological approach was adopted, based on the analysis of morphological parameters and the development of topographic profiles. Hydrological aspects were assessed using the rational method, while flood susceptibility was determined through a multicriteria approach, considering slope, flow, and land use. The results indicate that flooding is strongly influenced by environmental factors, particularly urban occupation in floodplain areas. These findings reinforce the importance of territorial planning and environmental management to mitigate flood impacts in vulnerable regions.
This paper aimed to identify and analyze socio-environmental conflicts in the Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE) of Mangroves, located in the municipality of Barra dos Coqueiros, Sergipe (Brazil). The territory has been subjected to intense anthropogenic pressures, including real estate speculation and deforestation. Drawing upon Little's (2001) typology, 77 conflicts were identified and classified, mainly associated with the control of natural resources (65%) and with socio-environmental impacts (35%). These included the improper disposal of solid waste, real estate expansion over mangrove ecosystems, and disputes among fishermen, shellfish gatherers, and shrimp farmers. The methodology combined field research, documentary analysis, and georeferencing with QGIS software. The findings demonstrate the predominance of material conflicts over symbolic and cultural tensions, as well as institutional weaknesses in addressing such disputes. It was also observed that no conflicts related to environmental knowledge (Little's third analytical category) were identified in the ARIE. This absence indicates the need for more sensitive methodologies, such as ethnographic approaches, to reveal these often overlooked disputes.
