Impacts of Anthropogenic Action on the Triggering of Environmental Events – Case Study of a Gully in the Linhares Neighborhood, Juiz de Fora/MG

Soil degradation due to rainfall-induced erosive processes is one of the main environmental challenges in tropical regions, particularly in areas susceptible to intense precipitation throughout the year. Among the stages of an erosive process, gully erosion represents the most advanced one, being characterized by the formation of deep channels as a consequence of the accelerated removal of sediments by water action. This phenomenon compromises slope stability and can cause significant impacts on ecosystems, infrastructure, and economic activities. Erosion occurs both at the surface and at depth, depending on soil properties and local physical conditions. However, human intervention can act as a catalyst, intensifying this process. In the Linhares neighborhood, located in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, irregular earthworks in a public allotment led to the formation of a gully, causing environmental and social damage in the area. This study aims to analyze whether the origin of this erosive feature is intrinsically related to anthropogenic action. To this end, field studies, deformed sample collection, and laboratory tests were conducted to characterize the physical properties of the soils within and around the gully. Grain size analyses and classification according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) revealed a strong similarity between the soil present in the gully and in adjacent areas, suggesting that the embankment was composed of the same material, which was subsequently eroded, contributing to trigger the disaster. Results led to the conclusion that the formation of the gully was driven by human activities. The need for further studies to quantify erosion susceptibility and implement effective strategies for restoring the degraded area is emphasized.