Hydrological characterization of watersheds in Alto Rio Grande region, Minas Gerais State

Hydrology characterization of springs associated with the local dynamics has shown itself as an important tool for water resources management. This study was conducted at Lavrinha Creek Watershed and Marcela Creek Watershed located in Alto Rio Grande Basin, an environment with different physiographical conditions. These watersheds are inserted in the Planning Units for Management of Water Resources of Alto Rio Grande Basin (UPGRH-GD1) of Minas Gerais State. The morphometric characterization of recharge areas was performed as well as hydrological modeling of flow rates and land use maps, at 10 springs located inside Lavrinha and Marcela creeks' watersheds. High spatial and temporal variability of flow rate values were observed during the 2008 year. Both watersheds monitored revealed large difference on water production by their springs, being this difference attributed to the rainfall regime at each location.