Efeitos da insuficiência pluviométrica na cobertura vegetal da planície estuarina do complexo Piranhas-Assú (Nordeste do Brasil)

Abstract

This research aims to identify the variations of the vegetation cover between the years 2012 and 2015 in the estuary complex of the Piranhas-Assú River (RN). A water balance was performed, based on precipitation, temperature and potential evapotranspiration data. LandSat 8 images were obtained for temporal monitoring of vegetation cover using the SAVI technique. The water balance ratified the environmental propensity to the effects of water deficiency, even in periods of higher precipitation, with the highest water deficit recorded in august (2012) and december (2015), reaching approximately -190 mm. Some sections with predominance of soil exposed in 2015 were predominantly occupied by vegetation in 2013. For the fragments of vegetation, a 41.8% decrease was observed, increasing the direct exposure of the soils. Therefore, the methodology used was presented as a viable alternative for studies related to the temporal variations of the vegetation cover