ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE CORRENTES RIVER

Resumo

Meandering rivers have a number of features that differentiate them from rectilinear and anastomosing channels, such as the rapid change of course, which is the result of continuous adjustments of hydro-sedimentary factors. Studying these changes helps to inform on the potential future changes, and generates valuable data for landuse planning. This study aims to identify the morphological changes in the lower Correntes River between 1984 and 2016, and generate information that is currently scarce about the watershed. A temporal analysis of migrating meanders using remote sensing, literature search, and field work was conducted. This river is highly mobile with lateral and downstream migration, exhibiting a rectilinear channel tendency as shown by the decreased sinuosity between 1984 and 2016. This trend reflects channel adjustment in relation to hydro-sedimentary factors. Because the upstream hydroelectric dam retained sediment and enhanced flow velocity, erosion and meander migration increased. In addition to the channel modification, the dam caused observable changes to the river stage and discharge