Índice integrado de hidrometeorologia e vegetação (IIHV): validação na mesorregião hidrográfica do Rio Madeira

Abstract

The Amazon plays a fundamental role in global climate stability through atmospheric moisture recycling, carbon storage, and regulation of continental precipitation patterns. Considering the increased frequency and intensity of extreme hydrometeorological events in the region, this study developed and validated the Integrated Hydrometeorology and Vegetation Index (IHVI) for the Madeira River Hydrographic Mesoregion, using Google Earth Engine (GEE). The IHVI emerges as a solution to the challenge faced by managers in simultaneously interpreting multiple environmental indices, integrating meteorological indicators (SPI2 and SPEI3) and vegetation indices (EVIP and NDMIP) through the GUT Matrix (Gravity, Urgency, Trend), according to the equation: IHVI = [(G × (EVIP + NDMIP) + (U × SPI2) + (T × SPEI3)) / ((2 × G) + U + T)]. Validation used two contrasting extreme events: the historic 2014 flood, when the Madeira River reached 19.74 meters in Porto Velho, and the severe 2023 drought, which recorded minimum historical levels. The IHVI demonstrated effectiveness in capturing both phenomena, presenting values above +2.0 during the flood and below -2.0 in the drought, correlating significantly with documented socioeconomic and environmental impacts. As a technical product, a web application was developed in GEE that demonstrates the methodology’s applicability, allowing retrospective analysis of IHVI for the period 2003-2023 and highlighting its potential for implementation in operational monitoring systems. The tool contributes to strengthening risk and natural disaster management in the Amazon, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 13, and 15.