Analysis of quantitative methods for geodiversity in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The concept of geodiversity has been developed by geoscientists since 1990 in different lines of research such as territorial and patrimonial planning, tourism and the dissemination of knowledge. However, little progress has been made in mapping and quantifying geodiversity. Thus, there are still gaps about the functionality of these graphics products. In order to contribute to these discussions, the aim of this research was to evaluate geodiversity quantification models in Chapada Diamantina National Park and municipality of Morro do Chapéu. The methods Serrano and Ruiz -Flaño and Pereira et al. were chosen for comparison. After choosing the criteria to compare as the choice of variables pertaining to each method, data processing was performed in a geographic information system. Maps with geodiversity indexes and frequency charts were generated. Finally, these products were analyzed using statistical methods and evaluated in the field. In both proposals for quantifying geodiversity, methodological limitations were found, which interfere with the purpose for which the index was created.