Knowledge of marine geodiversity aids in the understanding of geological processes that operate in the marine domain. These processes are responsible for the creation of landscapes, interference in ocean current patterns and sediment deposition, formation of mineral deposits, triggering of geological hazards and biodiversity development, among other aspects. Marine geodiversity surveys enable an integrated perspective of the dynamics and geological processes occurring in the continental margins and sea basins. They can provide essential information regarding the suitability and limitations of this region during considerations of numerous possibilities for use. This study was aimed at developing a regional-scale model for characterizing marine geodiversity in the Vitória-Trindade Volcanic Seamount Ridge and its adjacent marine areas in the South Atlantic off the coast of southeastern Brazil. The adopted methodology involved defining marine geodiversity compartments in a geographic information system environment by integrating and analyzing spatial variables obtained from bathymetric, geological, and geophysical data as well as by using information available from the literature, government databases, and research institutions. Five representative aspects of geodiversity in the study area were defined, namely, scientific, environmental, economic, academic, and geotouristic characteristics. From this analysis, 13 key areas with peculiar aspects of geodiversity, geoheritage, and potential use were selected for further analyses. For the selected areas, records of scientific and educational interest about the geological history of the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean and formation of the Brazilian continental margin were reviewed and potential areas of use aimed at geotourism and mineral exploration were examined. Restrictions on use related to geologic hazards and anthropogenic actions as well as the legal, technological, and financial aspects arising from the occupation of these spaces were discussed. The information obtained aims to support the actions of the Brazilian government for marine spatial planning with regard to the exploitation of resources and geoconservation of the unique aspects of the geological history of Brazil and the most susceptible habitats. This work also serves as an orientation framework for future surveys of geodiversity in other marine regions.
A compartimentação fisiográfica da geodiversidade marinha possibilita a compreensão dos processos geológicos que atuam no assoalho oceânico, permitindo uma visão integrada da feições e formas resultantes que constituem a margem continental e a bacia oceânicas, explicitando as adequabilidades e limitações desses ambientes. Objetiva-se desenvolver uma compartimentação fisiográfica para caracterização da geodiversidade marinha aplicado à região da Cadeia de Montes Vulcânicos Submarinos de Vitória / Trindade - CMVSVT e áreas adjacentes, situada no Atlântico Sul. Como procedimentos metodológicos, analisou-se, em ambiente de Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), dados batimétricos, geológicos, geofísicos disponíveis na literatura e em bancos de dados institucionais. Resultados obtidos possibilitaram a compreensão dos processos geológicos formadores e modificadores dos ambientes que compõem o assoalho oceânico, fornecendo subsídios para orientação de futuros levantamentos da geodiversidade marinha na Plataforma Continental Jurídica Brasileira - PCJB e áreas adjacentes, no âmbito das 200 milhas náuticas da Zona Econômica Exclusiva Brasileira - ZEE. Através da integração dos resultados definiu-se a compartimentação do assoalho oceânico, ressaltando-se a indicação de áreas-chaves representativas da geodiversidade relacionadas aos valores científicos, ambientais, econômicos e educativos.
We present a methodological proposal for the systematic mapping of superficial formations applicable on a national scale. The importance of such a proposition stems from the fact that a large part of the Brazilian territory is located in a humid or semi-humid tropical zone, where deeply weathered and sometimes tens of meters thick lateritized regolith mantles develop. The methodological approach consists of a geological-geomorphological-pedological compartmentalization of the terrains, together with elements of morphostratigraphic analysis and of the intrinsic properties of saprolites and soils. This approach, structured in a GIS environment, was applied in two different areas in Brazil: The Federal District and the São Luis island in the state of Maranhão, where the complex geodiversity of the regolith landscape stands out in both areas. The results highlight the diversity of horizons in the regolith profile, in addition to its anisotropy. The recognition of the complexity of these superficial formations is, therefore, of great importance for a more detailed analysis of various themes, such as for civil works; susceptibility to erosion and mass movements; potential for aquifer recharge; and mineral potential. Finally, the importance of the study of superficial formations is emphasized for the improvement of geological mapping and for the multi-thematic analysis of the physical environment applied to land management.
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