MIDDLE COURSE OF THE HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN OF THE ITAPECURU RIVER, MARANHÃO: GEOLOGICAL, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL, PEDOLOGICAL AND DRAINAGE DENSITY CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The study of the environmental components of a hydrographic basin is important, as it shows how they interact with each other and their contribution to the river system. This work aimed to present the geomorphological and pedological geological aspects and the infl uence on the drainage density in the middle course of the Itapecuru river basin, in the state of Maranhão. Information on geological, geomorphological and pedological aspects were extracted from the following databases: Radam Project Report, Maranhão State Biodiversity Survey Report (CPRM) and IBGE. The maps were created using ArcGIS software. Four geological groups, eight geological formations and three sedimentary covers were recorded. The relief consists of eight units, highlighting the Dissecado Itapecuru Plateau and the Tablelands in the Middle Itapecuru. The Dystrophic Yellow Latosol, Eutrophic Red-Yellow Ultisol and the Concretionary Petric Plinth are predominant. The drainage density ranged from low to very high.