Landscape manifestation of areas with high geodiversity index values in the brazilian Atlantic Pampa

Abstract

The Brazilian Atlantic Pampa covers the Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul (PCRS) inserted in the Pampa biome, where unique landscapes and endowed with important heritage values predominate, however subjected to different forms of anthropogenic pressures, linked, above all, to agrosilvopastoral activities. The geodiversity of the Atlantic Pampa is marked by particular characteristics of a recent morphogenesis and morphodynamics controlled by the complex interrelation of river, lake and marine systems. Thus, the objective of this work is to identify the areas with high values of the geodiversity index in the Brazilian Atlantic Pampa, showing the synthesis landscapes recognized in these areas through field campaigns. The methodology used was based on the quantification of geodiversity through the elaboration of the Pampa Atlântico Geodiversity Index map and the carrying out of field work to identify the landscapes that synthesize the areas that presented high values of the geodiversity index. The results show that the portion of the gaucho coast inserted in the geomorphological region of the Internal Coastal
Plain obtained more significant values of the geodiversity index, due to its geological and geomorphological transitional context, in addition to being the portion of the PCRS in which the relationship of geodiversity, biodiversity and cultural aspects are materialized through landscapes linked to the coastal lagoon dynamics and its relationship with the continental river system, competing for the formation of landscape manifestations with a strong patrimonial appeal, mainly linked to their scientific, aesthetic, cultural, educational and tourist values.