Rainfall dynamics in the river basin of the Jataí stream – Central-West Brazil

Abstract

The transformations made by man in the environment, assigning different types of uses and occupations, can cause environmental damage and alterations when carried out in a disorderly manner. Among the possible changes, those linked to the climate have become the subject of worldwide debate regarding its quality and changes, making the study a conditioner for economic and social activities as well as quality of life and river basin planning. The aim of this research is to analyze the dynamics of rainfall in the river basin of the Jataí stream during its rainy season, from October 2021 to April 2022. In order to achieve this objective, we considered the rain intensity and distribution through the installation of six collection points with rain gauges and the INMET weather station as the seventh point. The results showed that rainfall was not homogeneous in the basin area, ranging from 749.7 mm in P3 to 1,116.8 mm in P4, with November 2021 being the wettest month. Of the 212 collection days, there was precipitation on 187 of them, totaling 1,236 hours of weak and moderate rainfall, with some episodes of very heavy rainfall, such as the one recorded in P1 of 77.67 mm precipitated in just 1 hour of rain on 01/09/2022. These results can contribute to proper environmental and climate planning in the basin, especially in its urban area.