Crecimiento urbano y cambios del uso/cobertura del suelo en las ciudades de Necochea y Quequén, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Urbanization is a territorial and socioeconomic process that induces a radical transformation of land/use cover. It produces great changes in the environment and therefore, is the principal cause of environmental problems and risks. Based on aerial photographs and satellital images, urban growth dynamics and land/use cover change were evaluated at the coastal urban area of Necochea municipality (Argentina). Between 1967 and 2004, urban land/cover use increased from 21,95 to 28,44 % while non urban land/cover use descended. Population growth excedeed urban expansion rate, estimating that the densifi cation of urban occupation is notably higher than the urban sprawl growth.