Aplicação de modelo hidrológico para detecção de áreas com potencial impacto para inundações em Montes Claros-MG

Abstract

Environmental risks and impacts are inherent phenomena in the geographic space. Urbanization brings immeasurable spatial and environmental modifications and consequently affects the natural performance of water resources. In this context, lack of planning in the process of land use and development requires excessive spending on infrastructure in an attempt to solve drainage problems. This study aims to verify possible impacts of urbanization in the basin of the São Geraldo Stream basin in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Morphometric characterization was performed using geoprocessing tools to obtain necessary data and parameters for hydrological modeling, an important tool for planning and managing water resources, especially in regions where urbanization leads to increased land use and occupation, reduced infiltration capacity, and increased soil impermeability. Hydrological modeling was performed using the HEC-HMS computer program to estimate the maximum flows of the watershed. The current scenario, urbanization of 20% and 50% of the region for a 50-year return period were analyzed, obtaining estimated flows of 63.90 m³/s, 79.99 m³/s, and 101.40 m³/s, respectively, for the three scenarios. The verification of the flood area was performed in the HEC-RAS program, which allowed the maximum flood level in the basin to be determined based on the physical characteristics of the flow data. The results showed that the currently urbanized area has no flood risks, but the interference of the Vieira River should be evaluated. Therefore, it is expected that the generated model can contribute adequately to decision-making and scenario forecasting for the studied watershed.