THE RIO CAVEIRAS: MANGROVE SWAMP, BIGUAÇU, SANTA CATARINA. A CASE STUDY. IV: PRINCIPAL SOURCESOF TENSORS AND THE RECUPERATIVE CAPACITY OF THE ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Throughout the years, the Caveiras mangrove has undergone the influence of different types of tensors. Regulation led to marked changes in the water circulation system and of the river itsel, besides modification in the nature of the sources of energy. This type of tensor is very severe, because it diminishes the system own capacity for recovery. Deforestation is a less severe kind of tensor, because it does not affect the put of subsidiary energies. However it removes biomass and creates unfavorable conditions, such as hypersalinity. Road-building in the area as a result of urbanization is another tensor that causes profound changes in the ecosystem and contributes mainly to river siltation and modification in mangrove hydrodynamics. All these tensors account for a drastic change in the system, specially in the substrate, he stability of which is essential for the existence of mangroves and salt marches. Social problems (squatters) are another strong tensor that acts on the area rendering any attempt at recovery difficult. The tensor operating in the area have been very intensive and long-standing (over 30 years). Their effects make mitigation and ecosystem recovery almost impossible. Furthermore, the action of a tensor, or many of them,