ANÁLISE TEMPORAL DA REDUÇÃO DA ÁREA VERDE DA CIDADE DE MOSSORÓ/RN EM CONSEQUÊNCIA DA EXPANSÃO IMOBILIÁRIA: UM ESTUDO DE CASO, 2013 A 2023

It was from the mid-1990s that Mossoró/RN began its expansion in the civil construction industry, driven by strong state action through public policies in the housing sector. The research analyzed the impact of urban expansion, focusing on the evolution of vegetation cover and land surface temperature (LST) in three new neighborhoods between 2013 and 2023. Using satellite images, the methodology made it possible to visualize the horizontal growth of the neighborhoods and the suppression of vegetation. The urban fabric of Mossoró expanded considerably, with the Cidade Alta neighborhood emerging during the ten-year period, while Nova Mossoró and Alto das Brisas grew horizontally. The results revealed a significant decrease in vegetation cover, with the Cidade Alta neighborhood being the most affected, experiencing a 92.51% reduction in vegetated area. The other neighborhoods also showed concerning losses. Furthermore, LST increased in all neighborhoods, reflecting the impact of urban expansion on temperature. The study highlights the importance of urban vegetation in climate regulation and quality of life, pointing to the need for urban planning strategies that mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization, such as thermal discomfort. These results can support future initiatives to restore vegetation, promoting healthier and more habitable urban environments in Mossoró/RN.