Hydrossedimentological Simulation of the Quatorze River Watershed, Francisco Beltrão (Paraná, Brazil)

The process of water erosion and the sediment drag to watercourses is a natural phenomenon that has been compounded by inappropriate practices of use, occupation and soil management, favoring the development of serious environmental, social and economic impacts. From this perspective, the aim of this study was to evaluate the processes of hydrosedimentological Quatorze River Watershed using computational hydrological model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tools). To achieve this goal the following methodologies were used: a) research data on specific theoretical reference of the basin; b) generation of spatial and tabular database c) application of the SWAT model to simulate the sediment yield and runoff. The results from the simulation showed the influence of the use and occupation of the soil about the erosion process, it is generated small amounts of sediment in areas covered by forest and large quantities in areas covered by agriculture. The topography also influence the sediment yield, which in flat watershed soil loss was lower compared to rugged terrain or steep areas. In general, although the restrictions of data and no calibration, the model proved to be relatively effective, providing supporting information for environmental management of the use, occupation and management soil, reducing the impacts on water resources.