Mapeamento geomorfológico, identificação e caracterização de formas e feições cársticas no monumento natural cavernas de Martins, semiárido brasileiro

Abstract

The term karst is widely used associated with the dissolution process in carbonate rocks, however, currently, it is also accepted for the dissolution process in different types of rocks, such as evaporites, quartzites, sandstones, among others. In the Brazilian semi-arid region, there is a lack of studies associated with the marble karstification process. In this sense, the proposed study presents a characterization of the karst morphology of the MNCM, in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A bibliographic review was carried out on the topic. The methodological path included a bibliographical review on karst morphology, digital image processing in a GIS environment and field work that enabled the identification and description of karst features and the manufacture of cartographic products. As a result, we can summarize the identification of seven geomorphological units, in the area of the Cavernas de Martins Natural Monument conservation unit, and the identification and description of seven sets of karst features: Plains and River Terraces; Countryside Surface I; Countryside Surface II; Dissected Surface; Inselbergues; Mountain range; Chapada. Seven sets of shapes/features were identified and confirmed: i) shapes associated with ceiling dripping; ii) associated with basal drip; iii) associated with water flows; iv) dissolution features; v) delivery features; vi) structural features; vii) forms associated with gravitational processes. Due to the singularities of the study area, it is urgently necessary to create a management plan for the Conservation Unit with the purpose of its conservation/preservation.