The phenomenon of desertification in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil is studied from the analysis of some variables representative of climate, vegetation, soils and some economic and social aspects in the Taperoá Basin in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Annual rainfall data from 32 rain gauges was treated by temporal series analysis and a trend map was drawn. All the above listed variables were estimated for São João do Cariri and Cabaceiras districts. Results show a diferent mode of susceptibility to desertification for both districts, especifically, in the São João do Cariri district, all the variables treated in this study contributed to the occurrence of a desertification process including a negative trend in annual rainfall.
semi arid; degradation; rain falltrend
