Natural and anthropogenic influences on the Nhecolândia wetlands, SE Pantanal, Brazil

Castro de Oliveira, Emiliano; Pla-Pueyo, Sila; Hackney, Christopher

Abstract

The Nhecolândia region covers the southern wetlands of the Pantanal basin in Brazil. Characterized by myriad shallow freshwater and alkaline–saline lakes, the distinct natural features of the Nhecolândia wetland make it highly sensitive to climate change and the effects of human activities. This paper summarizes the natural and social aspects that have affected this delicate wetland and potential future impacts. We analysed the response of the wetland to historical changes in climate and human activity and used this understanding to forecast the response of the wetland to future changes. The data presented here show that this region is particularly sensitive to alterations in the flood regime, droughts and deforestation, which are intrinsically related to both global and local changes in climate and the intensification of cattle-ranching activities, which include deforestation and the introduction of cultivated pastures.

Citation

Castro de Oliveira, E., Pla-Pueyo, S., & Hackney, C. (2019). Natural and anthropogenic influences on the Nhecolândia wetlands, SE Pantanal, Brazil. Geological Society Special Publications, 488, 167-180. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP488.5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 10, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019
• Deposit Date: Nov 7, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 11, 2019
• Print ISSN: 0305-8719
• Publisher: The Geological Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 488
• Pages: 167-180
• Book Title: Rain, Rivers and Reservoirs: Geoscience to Engineering
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/SP488.5
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1147230
• Publisher URL: https://sp.lyellcollection.org/content/488/1/167/
• Contract Date: Nov 7, 2018