Integration of aerophotogrammetry, hydrogeological and climatic parameters in the monitoring of a geographically closed wetland in a sugarcane-growing region, Southeast Brazil

Abstract Wetlands are highly complex and notorious importance in storing, supplying water and re-charging aquifers. Approximately 20% of the Brazilian territory is covered by wetlands and, de-spite their importance, the zoning of these areas is neglected, even after several water crisis events in the country. In this context, the present article aims to monitor and evaluate the surface dynamics of a closed wetland located in the Metropolitan Region of Piracicaba, São Paulo, which presents critical indices in water availability. For monitoring the wetland and the water table on the surface, monthly aerial surveys of high spatial resolution were carried out with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) over a period of one year, and together, measurements of water levels were carried out in subsurface through wells implemented in the study area. As a result, the Irati Formation present in the region is decisive for the existence of the wetland due to the low permeability of the soil, as well as the rainfall rate (1,036.2 mm) and evapotranspiration (1,307.1 mm), which directly contribute to the evolution of the surface water table and regulate the height of the water level in the subsurface and on the slopes of the contribution basin throughout the year.