Mapeamento do cânion submarino adjacente a Maxaranguape/RN

Abstract

This study aimed to map the slope region adjacent to the municipality of Maxaranguape, on the east bank of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, and sought to fill gaps in the understanding of the ocean level based on the morphological characteristics and specific particularities of the seabed. Data collection was carried out on board the Hydroceanographic Research Vessel Vital de Oliveira, using a multibeam echo sounder, model EM 122. Data processing was carried out using the CARIS HIPS and SIPS 12.0 software. From the data integration, a high-resolution bathymetric map and Digital Terrain Model (MDT) were created. The results obtained allowed the observation of the relevance of the study area, through the high-resolution representation of the underwater topography, enabling a more realistic understanding of the physiographic characteristics of the canyon. Throughout the canyon, the presence of ravines, sinuous curves, valleys and ridges was observed, as well as low and high reliefs, barriers, slopes and steep elevations, with profiles varying between 1.8 and 5 km in length. It is worth highlighting that the knowledge acquired through observation and understanding of data is essential for better management and conservation of marine resources in the region, as well as for scientific research in Oceanography, Geology and Marine Geophysics.