Abstract

SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ, Rufo et al. Map of potential erosion in the Grijalva-Usumacinta hydrological basin, Mexico, using GIS. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.153-161. ISSN 0186-2979.

The purpose of this study was to prepare thematic maps of the factors that generate erosion in the Grijalva-Usumacinta basin. Maps for Rainfall (PMA), Present Use of the Soil (UAS), Landform Slopes (PPG) and Soil Classes (CS) were obtained. The magnitude of erosion risk caused by each factor was categorised by numerical scales. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), the maps that were obtained were interpolated and a potential erosion map (EP) was generated with three levels of risk: High, Medium and Low. It was observed that more than 50 % of the basin has undulated and steep landforms. The soils are mainly shallow and are easily eroded when associated with intense rainfall. Areas were identified with tropical forests in the southeastern region of the basin, and with pine and oak cloud forests in the central and southern regions respectively. The EP map of the basin indicated that more than 7 million hectares (83 %) present a risk of erosion from Medium to High, particularly in the central and southwestern regions, while in the northern and northeastern regions there are 1.5 million hectares (17 %) with a low risk of erosion.

Keywords : Satellite images; erosive factors; risk of erosion.

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