Resumo

RODRIGUEZ GAMINO, María de Lourdes  e  LOPEZ BLANCO, Jorge. Characterization of biophysical units by means of environmental indicators in Milpa Alta, Central Mexico. Invest. Geog [online]. 2006, n.60, pp.46-61. ISSN 2448-7279.

The environmental biophysical units (EBU) were delineated and characterized by means of environmental indicators in Milpa Alta, Central Mexico. At the first stage the Geomorphogenetics units which served as a base to obtain the EBUs were delineated. In order to check EBUs delineation and taking of soil/vegetation samples surveys fielawork campaigns were carried out. By means of laboratory analysis, soils were characterized considering physical and chemical properties. Environmental indicators of relief, climate, soils, vegetation and land use factors were obtained. EBUs were characterized considering elevation, slope, temperature, rainfall, soil humidity, organic matter, bulk density, pH, and land use/cover. Dominant relief types of EBUs in the sampling sites were high, medium and lower mountain slopes constituted by lavas flows, external and internal high mountain slopes of cinder cone, high and lower hill slopes of high and medium hills, local accumulative piedmont, local accumulative piedmont of medium and lower hill slopes and alluvial plain. EBUs characterization by means of environmental indicators allows with basic information in the making decision process for adequate natural resources management and environmental planning.

Palavras-chave : Environmental indicators; environmental biophysical units; morphogenesis; decision making process; Milpa Alta; Mexico.