Análise integrada da geodiversidade no município de Acari-RN, semiárido brasileiro

Abstract

Often the term geodiversity is linked exclusively to geological knowledge, often leaving aside information from other components of the physical environment, such as reliefs and soils. Geodiversity, compared to biodiversity, still does not have the same prestige and political position. In the Brazilian semi-arid region, there are still many gaps regarding the knowledge of geodiversity. In 2022, the Seridó Geopark was recognized by UNESCO as a territory with natural and cultural wealth at an international level. Among the municipalities included in the Geopark territory is Acari-RN, which has rich geodiversity, in addition to the Geopark geosites. The objective of this work was to present an integrated analysis of the geodiversity of the municipality of Acarí-RN, encompassing information related to geology, geomorphology, pedology and associated processes. A survey of the physical environment of the municipality was carried out, with analysis of geological maps, relief and soil characterization. Ten geosites were characterized in the municipality, four of which belong to the Geopark Seridó, in which information on relief and soils was also considered. In the present work, the term “integrated analysis of geodiversity” was used in order to encourage debate and make it clear that this is not limited to geological aspects. This integrated analysis can be a subsidy for geotourism, regional valorization of the semi-arid region and also preservation of the caatinga, after all, the fauna and flora depend on the substrate that supports life. The identification and characterization of potential geosites in Acarí-RN can support municipal policies aimed at conservation actions, environmental education practices, appreciation of natural heritage and incentive to geotourism.