PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIC DIVERSITY IN THE ARARIPE PLATEAU: A PHYTOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS IN SANTANA DO CARIRI/CE
Landscape, Chapada do Araripe, Exception, Phytosociology
The landscapes that make up the different terrestrial environments reflect the synthesis of the game of relationships between the different factors that compose them, which maintain constant exchange relationships and participate in the dynamics existing in the locations. We observe a great mosaic of landscapes in the Brazilian territory, in the Northeast region it is no different. Understanding a landscape requires a complex analysis of the components that form it. Chapada do Araripe is one of the exceptional spaces in the Brazilian Northeast. Its phytogeography is marked by the diversity of vegetation that takes refuge in the structure. Through the floristic survey and phytosociological analyzes it was possible to learn more about the floristic composition and reflect on the elements that contribute to the exceptional landscape presented in Chapada do Araripe. The methodological procedures took place in four different and integral stages. Bibliographical surveys were carried out in the office, through systematic review; cartographic and iconographic with emphasis on the area of study. In the field work, there were stages of vegetation survey through phytosociology with the random allocation of 20 plots of 20 x 20 m. application of some indices, namely the Topographic Humidity Index and the NDVI index (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI). The data collected in the field and in the office were analyzed and supported the writing of this work. In view of this, it can be seen that understanding the landscape, as well as the application of phytosociology as a methodology for collecting information from landscape units, are of fundamental importance to understand the current configurations found in Chapada do Araripe, and also to reflect on planning mechanism for the uses of the area and adjacent spaces.