HYDROSEDIMENTOLOGICAL DYNAMICS IN THE GUABIROBA RIVER CATCHMENT, GUARAPUAVA, PARANÁ

Hydrosedimentologial dynamics in the Guabiroba River Catchment, Guarapuava, Paraná

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of hydrosedimentological dynamics in a rural river basin in southern Brazil, based on classification and analysis of hysteresis curves. The study evaluated twenty hydrological events monitored in the Guabiroba river basin, in Guarapuava, Paraná. The hysteresis curves were classified according to flow behavior dynamics and suspended sediment concentration that occurred during rainfall events, according to types of hysteresis models described in the literature. The results obtained demonstrated that five types of hysteresis models occur in the basin, mainly clockwise loop and figure eight. The relationship between flow and concentration of totally suspended sediment, as per hydrograph rise and fall, showed a positive correlation coefficient in most events. The characteristics presented in the different hysteresis curves in the river basin are the result of the availability of fine sediments for river transport, resulting from the erosion of slopes, river banks, and rural roads.