Heterogeneidade espacial do substrato plataformal adjacente a Ponta Negra, Natal-RN

Abstract

The morphology of coastal areas is constantly changing due to interaction of natural and anthropogenic processes. Sometimes the actions of these processes on the coastline can cause erosional problems, causing environmental impacts and socio-economic losses. In order to act preventively requires a thorough understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors that act in coastal dynamics. The aim of this study is the geological mapping of marine substrate adjacent the beaches of Ponta Negra, Natal, Brazil, in an area under intense coastal erosion. The methodology consisted of the collection of surface sediment samples of the continental shelf, analyzed for particle size, composition, presence of organic matter and carbonate. Later integrated with pre-existing data such as geophysical (single and multbeam bathymetry, sonography) and hydrodynamic (waves, currents, tides) data. The results indicate that the grain size of the sediments that make up the substrate presented mainly coarse sand (43%), followed by medium sand (34%). The presence of carbonate is marked throughout the area, and increases with depth. The siliciclastic sediments founds near the shoreline, while bioclastic sediments occur predominantly after the isobath of 10m. Barreiras Formation outcrops on the shelf attests the sediment starvation, which used to amplify by human action. This information should be taken into account in the preparation of the recovery measures the area, which is facing serious problems with erosion.