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An introduction and GIS-based relief compartment mapping of fluvio-karst landscape in central Brazilian highlands
  • Yawar Hussain,
  • Rogério Uagoda
Yawar Hussain
University of Brasília, University of Brasília

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rogério Uagoda
Universidade de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília
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Abstract

The present work is part of a greater research project aiming at creating knowledge-base for the future managerial plans dedicated to the protection of caves heritage in the Correntes Basin (3904 km 2) located in the central Brazil. Here, a GIS-based relief compartment mapping of the area is done using satellite images, geological map and cave location map as input data layers. As a result four geomorphological domains were identified as i) lowlands (282 km 2) with a base-level in silicates and carbonates, ii) the karst terrains (994 km 2) which were developed in carbonates trapped by siltstone lenses iii) the talus (1483 km 2) having colluvial and alluvial units deposited by the Urucuia escarpment retreat and iv) the highlands (1143.7 km 2) developed over the sandstone of the Urucuia Group. The intersection of landforms and geological maps resulted in two abrupt contacts, the first between lowland and karst terrains, and second between the talus and highlands which formed canyon and escarpment, respectively. Two types of the cave systems are proposed in the region as superior/vadose that collect floods from hillslopes and deep epigene fluvio-karst.