GIS EROSION RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE PIRACICABA RIVER BASIN, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Remote sensing data, a GIS, and the Universal Soil Loss Equation model (USLE) are used to develop maps of erosion risk in the Piracicaba River basin, southeastern Brazil. The mapping program was designed to determine soil erosion losses under various land uses and the extent to which land use changes affected erosion risk during 1978–1993. To evaluate the latter, the USLE model was used to simulate erosion risk during January, the highest-precipitation month, in 1978 and 1993. This made it possible to identify the areas of highest erosion risk and to develop soil/water conservation countermeasures.