Estudos geoambientais de bacias hidrográficas em áreas suscetíveis à desertificação no Nordeste do Brasil

The article is framed within comprehensive geo-environmental\ud studies of hydrographic basins, understood as the result of the analysis of the mutual relations among natural components and socioeconomic variables. Its objective is to analyze the geo-environments of the Middle and Lower Jaguaribe sub-basins (Riacho das Pedras and Neblina micro-basins) and of Banabuiú (Muquém microbasin), on the basis of studies regarding rural communities found in arid lands susceptible to desertification in the State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Research methods included compilation of bibliography and geo-cartography, use of remote sensing techniques, and field visits. The main results were the identification and mapping of degraded/desertified areas, which will contribute to improved environmental management of semi-arid hydrographic basins