EXPANSÃO URBANA E AS CONDIÇÕES SOCIOAMBIENTAIS EM UMA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA NA REGIÃO NORTE DE CUIABÁ – MATO GROSSO, BRASIL

River channels are elements present in urban landscape, highlighting their appropriation but, above all, the environmental challenges arising from the way of territorial expansion in cities. In this context, the present study discusses, from a spatiotemporal perspective, the environmental conditions in the Vassoural stream watershed considering the urban expansion in the northern region of Cuiabá – Mato Grosso. In this regard, it was found that urban expansion occurred from downstream to upstream and towards the fluvial system, focusing on the occupation of "urban voids." This process was strongly influenced by the consolidation of the Political-Administrative Center (CPA), the presence of the ring road providing access to Chapada dos Guimarães, and also associated with real estate speculation considering the high-end and upper-middle-class neighborhoods and condominiums in the surrounding area. On the other hand, there are also informal neighborhoods and irregular settlements, especially along the banks of the river channels. Consequently, the fluvial system was degraded by the suppression of vegetation cover (reduced to 13.75%), associated with the occupation of its Permanent Preservation Area, as well as due to the discharge of domestic effluents and the disposal of solid waste.