Behavior ground cover space-time in the of Paraíba state

Studies on the use and land cover are very important and report on changes in the earth's surface, often caused by human action. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the use and land cover in the state of Paraiba. A time series of products (MCD12Q1) the sensor Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for the period 2003 to 2012. We used the classification of the type 3, which takes into account the leaf area index was used (LAI) and photosynthetically active radiation fraction (fPAR). An adaptation of the product classification was made, which is global, for the types of vegetation in the state of Paraiba. The results show a predominance of Savannah coverage (Caatinga) comprising the mesoregions the Sertao and Borborema. The mesoregions do Agreste and Litoral presented in the first three years of the series, a denser vegetation of broadleaf crops (wet forest), Grasses / cereals (transition vegetation) and shrubs (Caatinga tree). In addition, urban areas increased over the study period. The product used can be useful for monitoring the soil cover of the organs of state environmental management. Keywords: remote sensing, vegetation, climate