Possibly, Rio can be placed within a group of urban areas which are constantly affected by natural catastrophes as a consequence of its dramatic climate variations, complex lithostratigraphy and structural geology, as well as constant human impact. The study area, as with many other locations in Rio de Janeiro, can be considered a good example of a depply affected environment due to human/nature relationships.

This research concerns to the evaluation of environmental risks (e.g. landslides) in the Quitite Valley, west Rio. The methodology applied can be found in Xavier & Carvalho (1993). Geoprocessing was taken through the SAGA/UFRJ software. Various maps were produced and a fewer compiled (e.g. Vieira et al., 1997). Maps include those for vegetation, altimetry, geology, previous landslides locations and geomorphology. Subsequently, an environmental signature map was produced as a means of supporting a computerised planimetry which records natural and human characteristics that mostly control landslides phenomena in the valley.

All the obtained data served to a final evaluation of environmental risks in the Quitite Valley. A digital diagram was produced in order to present very low-, low-,medium-, medium/high-, high- and very high-risk areas for landslides in the valley. Such a diagram can give support to decision makers concerning the occupation of the valley in a way it causes minimum impact to the environment, among other applications.

References:
Vieira et al., 1997
Xavier & Carvalho, 1993