Abstract

MAIA, Maria Adelaide Mansini  and  CASTRO, João Wagner de Alencar. Methodological proposal for characterization of marine geodiversity in the South Atlantic: Vitória-Trindade Ridge and adjacent areas, Southeast of Brazil. RGCI [online]. 2015, vol.15, n.3, pp.293-309. ISSN 1646-8872.  https://doi.org/10.5894/rgci519.

Knowledge of marine geodiversity aids in the understanding of geological processes that operate in the marine domain. These processes are responsible for the creation of landscapes, interference in ocean current patterns and sediment deposition, formation of mineral deposits, triggering of geological hazards and biodiversity development, among other aspects. Marine geodiversity surveys enable an integrated perspective of the dynamics and geological processes occurring in the continental margins and sea basins. They can provide essential information regarding the suitability and limitations of this region during considerations of numerous possibilities for use. This study was aimed at developing a regional-scale model for characterizing marine geodiversity in the Vitória-Trindade Volcanic Seamount Ridge and its adjacent marine areas in the South Atlantic off the coast of southeastern Brazil. The adopted methodology involved defining marine geodiversity compartments in a geographic information system environment by integrating and analyzing spatial variables obtained from bathymetric, geological, and geophysical data as well as by using information available from the literature, government databases, and research institutions. Five representative aspects of geodiversity in the study area were defined, namely, scientific, environmental, economic, academic, and geotouristic characteristics. From this analysis, 13 key areas with peculiar aspects of geodiversity, geoheritage, and potential use were selected for further analyses. For the selected areas, records of scientific and educational interest about the geological history of the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean and formation of the Brazilian continental margin were reviewed and potential areas of use aimed at geotourism and mineral exploration were examined. Restrictions on use related to geologic hazards and anthropogenic actions as well as the legal, technological, and financial aspects arising from the occupation of these spaces were discussed. The information obtained aims to support the actions of the Brazilian government for marine spatial planning with regard to the exploitation of resources and geoconservation of the unique aspects of the geological history of Brazil and the most susceptible habitats. This work also serves as an orientation framework for future surveys of geodiversity in other marine regions.

Keywords : Geoheritage; Marine landscapes; Geographic information system; Land management; Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in English     · English ( pdf )