Atmospheric discharges and the geographic aspect: case study of the occurrences in the hydrographic basin of the Paraíba do Sul (São Paulo) river and implications in the society

Abstract

We conducted a study of the occurrence of atmospheric discharges, popularly known as rays, in the region of highest occurrence of the phenomenon within the Hydrographic Basin of the Paraíba do Sul (São Paulo), in fl ashes per km² / year. The forms and implications of these occurrences in society were analyzed on the basis of the numbers and circumstances of the deaths. The data base was obtained from the Atmospheric Electricity Group (ELAT) in a time series of 13 years, analyzing the period from 1998 to 2011. As a result, it was possible to observe regions with the highest incidence of lightning within the analyzed area. It was also within this clipping, view the counties where we have the highest occurrences of death by lightning. Analysis of how these deaths occur, what are the circumstances and what are the potential factors that put the population at risk, also enters the achievements. The main cause of the high number of deaths due to atmospheric discharges in the country still reflects a lack of awareness of the population regarding the manifestations of these electrical phenomena of the atmosphere, as well as ways of protecting themselves from them. The advances in the understanding of how the fatalities due to atmospheric discharges in the country help to direct measures of protection for the population. By understanding the dynamics of death occurrences, it is possible to create prevention policies and educational materials geared to the national reality. If the largest numbers of deaths occur in the rural sector, with farmers, it is possible to target protection programs for this sector of society.

Keywords

• descargas atmosféricas. relâmpagos. tempestades. rio paraíba do sul. óbitos.