Analysis of the apparent temperature of the landscape elements of the Pedra do Índio microbasin in Alta Floresta-MT (Brazil)

Both deforestation and land use changes can contribute to climate and regional changes. The reduction of the vegetal cover can imply in the intensification of the drought, by increasing the apparent temperature. In this conjecture, the objective was to analyze the apparent temperature of Pedra do Indio Microbacia (MPI), as well as its association with different uses/land cover. For the elaboration of the thematic maps a LANDSAT image (TM sensor) was used, dated 06/13/2010. From the georeferencing, segmentation and classification procedures (executed in the SPRING software) the bands 3, 4 and 5 obtained the different uses/coverage and the band 6 the apparent temperature. The pasture consisted of the main land use in MPI, followed by forest cover. There were associations between the apparent temperature and the different land uses, with the lowest thermal values for water and forest environments, and higher for areas of planted pasture and exposed soil. Due to the importance of forest remnants in perpetuating MPI's water availability, it is recommended to adopt measures that ensure the protection/conservation of these areas. (author)