Características topoclimáticas e antrópicas e seus efeitos na temperatura do solo na caatinga

Abstract

The Caatinga biome covers about 11% of Brazil's territory and, despite its rich biodiversity, suffers from degradation and desertification, with 80% of its vegetation altered. This study aims to analyze the influence of topoclimatic characteristics and land use on soil temperature in the Cariri Paraibano region. For this purpose, data from meteorological stations distributed along the upper course of the Paraíba River between 2017 and 2021 were used. The results indicate that stations with less vegetation cover and lower altitudes showed soil temperatures above 40°C, hindering the natural regeneration of vegetation. On the other hand, stations at higher altitudes or in more preserved areas, such as São João do Tigre and São Sebastião do Umbuzeiro, showed lower temperatures, favoring the creation of microclimates conducive to natural regeneration. Additionally, the data allowed for the division of thermal behavior into well-defined periods throughout the year, reinforcing the importance of vegetation and topography in maintaining the local microclimate and combating desertification.