Responses of sedimentation and hypersalinity standards in vegetation coverage of estuarine plain the influence of a semiarid climate regime

Abstract

This research analyzes interstitial salinity space variations and sediment granulometry influence over Apodi-Mossoró River cover of the estuary. Ten sampling points were allocated to identfify salinity and granulometry of sediments; thematic maps of the vegetation cover were elaboratede through LandSat 8 image techniques. The stretch of the mouth (points 1-2) showed domunance of sandy fractions/ in other areas siltous sediments are predominant. From the mouth to point 5, wtih salinity < 50%, mangrove more extensive stretches can be found. However, points 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 presented high salinity levels, with salt marsh vegetation cover and exposed soils. Therefore, fine deposits favors the retention of salts, contributing to hypersalinity, which becomes the main limiting factor for mangrove development.