Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Geodiversity of Brazil: Quantification, Distribution, and Implications for Conservation Areas

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Geoheritage Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Research related to geodiversity aim at valuing abiotic aspects as inseparable components of natural heritage and, thus, as well as biodiversity, must be understood and valued through the ordering of their use and geoconservation. Geodiversity studies are developed based on several approaches, from the broadest ones, which contemplate the measurement of abiotic elements fully, to those that assess geoheritage through geodiversity values. The present research follows the broader approach of evaluating and analysing the entire geodiversity, applying the measurement of abiotic elements without their valuation, and spatialising areas with a greater and lesser density of the selected elements related in this research lithology, relief, and soil. For this purpose, bases produced by systematic surveys of Brazilian research institutions were used. As a result, the mapping of the subindexes obtained pointing from the division into 5 classes, the areas which present greater and lesser diversity of each element, as well as the synthesis map for the indexes of geodiversity elements in Brazil, considering the three elements selected for this mapping. The analysis of the indexes’ spatialisation was carried out from a descriptive and genetic perspective, aiming to explain the causes of the distribution of the abiotic elements in the Brazilian territory, providing subindexes for studies in the scope of environmental services, nature, and territory conservation planning. A spatial analysis was also carried out between the Geodiversity Index Map and the Brazilian conservation units and the areas where geopark projects are being developed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

adapted from ROSS et al. 2020)

Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Araujo AM, Pereira DÍ (2018) A new methodological contribution for the geodiversity assessment: applicability to Ceará State (Brazil). Geoheritage 10:591–605. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-017-0250-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benito-Calvo A, Pérez-González A, Magri O, Meza P (2009) Assessing regional geodiversity: the Iberian Peninsula. Earth Surf Process Landforms 34:1433–1445. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bétard F, Peulvast J-P, de Oliveira MA (2011) Biodiversité, géodiversité et enjeux de leur conservation dans les montagnes humides du Nordeste brésilien (Biodiversity, geodiversity and conservation challenges in the humid mountains of Northeast Brazil). Bull Assoc Geogr Fr 88:17–26. https://doi.org/10.3406/bagf.2011.8201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brasil (2000) Lei Federal No 9.985, de 18 de julho de 2000. Regulamenta o art. 225, § 1o, incisos I, II, III e VII da Constituição Federal, institui o Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação da Natureza e dá outras providências

  • Brilha J (2002) Geoconservation and Protected Areas Environ Conserv 29:273–276. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892902000188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brilha J (2005) Geological heritage and geoconservation: conservation of nature in its geological strand. Palimage Editores, Viseu

  • Brilha J, Gray M, Pereira DI, Pereira P (2018) Geodiversity: an integrative review as a contribution to the sustainable management of the whole of nature. Environ Sci Policy 86:19–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2018.05.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carcavilla LU, Martinez JLY, Valsero JJD (2007) Património Geológico y Geodiversidad: investigación, conservación, gestión y relación com los espacios naturales protegidos

  • De Melo Carvalho JC (1984) The conservation of nature in the Brazilian Amazonia. In: Sioli H (eds) The Amazon. Monographiae Biologicae, vol 56. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6542-3_28

  • CPRM C de P de RM (2010) Mapa geológico do Brasil. In: Escala 1:1.000.000. http://geosgb.cprm.gov.br/geosgb/downloads.html. Accessed 11 Nov 2018

  • Crisp JRA, Ellison JC, Fischer A (2020) Current trends and future directions in quantitative geodiversity assessment. Prog Phys Geogr. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309133320967219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dias MCSS, Domingos JO, dos Santos Costa SS, Nascimento MAL, Silva MLN, Granjeiro LP, Miranda RFL (2021) Geodiversity index map of Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeast Brazil: cartography and quantitative assessment. Geoheritage 13:10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-021-00532-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diegues ACS (2008) O Mito Moderno da Natureza Intocada, 6a ed. amp. Hucitec/Nupaub-USP/CEC, São Paulo

  • Fernández A, Fernández T, Pereira DI, Nieto LN (2020) Assessment of geodiversity in the southern part of the Central Iberian Zone (Jaén Province): usefulness for delimiting and managing natural protected areas. Geoheritage 12:20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-020-00447-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira B (2014) Geodiversidade do Estado de Pernambuco. Universidade Fedral de Pernambuco, NE do Brasil

    Google Scholar 

  • Forte JP, Brilha J, Pereira DI, Nolasco M (2018) Kernel density applied to the quantitative assessment of geodiversity. Geoheritage 10:205–217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-018-0282-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drummond JA, Andrade Franco JL (2009) Proteção à natureza e identidade nacional no Brasil, anos 1920-1940, Rio de Janeiro: ed. Fiocruz. 272 p

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Franco JLA, Schittini GM, Braz VS (2015) História da conservação da natureza e das áreas protegidas: panorama geral. Hist Rio Gd 6:233–270

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon JE, Crofts R, Díaz-Martínez E (2018) Geoheritage conservation and environmental policies: retrospect and prospect. In: Reynard E, Brilha J (eds) Geoheritage: assessment, protection and management. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 213–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809531-7.00012-5

  • Gray M (2013) Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature, 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, UK

  • Haffer J (1969) Speciation in Amazonian Forest Birds. Science 165(80-):131–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hjort J, Gordon JE, Gray M, Hunter ML (2015) Why geodiversity matters in valuing nature’s stage. Conserv Biol 29:630–639. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hjort J, Luoto M (2010) Geodiversity of high-latitude landscapes in northern Finland. Geomorphology 115:109–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.09.039

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IBGE IB de G e E (2020) Regional Divisions of Brazil. https://www.ibge.gov.br/en/geosciences/territorial-organization/regional-division/21536-regional-divisions-of-brazil.html?=&t=o-que-e

  • IBGE IB de G e E (2017a) Base geomorfológica contínua do Brasil. In: Shapefile - Escala 1250.000. ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/informacoes_ambientais/geomorfologia/vetores/escala_250_mil/. Accessed 12 Jan 2018

  • IBGE IB de G e E (2017b) Base pedológica contínua do Brasil. In: Shapefile - Escala 1250.000. ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/informacoes_ambientais/pedologia/vetores/escala_250_mil/. Accessed 12 Jan 2018

  • ICMBio ICM de C da B (2009) Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação. ICMBio

  • IUSS Working Group WRB 2015. World reference base for soil resources 2014, update 2015. Prepared by Schad P, van Huyssteen C, Micheli E. 192 pp. World Soil Resources Reports No. 106, FAO, Rome. http://www.fao.org/soils-portal/soil-survey/soil-classification/world-reference-base/en/ [Google Scholar]

  • Jenny H (1941) Factors of soil formation: a system of quantitative pedology. New York

  • Kozłowski S (2004) Geodiversity. The concept and scope of geodiversity. Prz Geol 52:833–837

    Google Scholar 

  • Macarthur RH, Wilson EO (1967) The theory of island biogeography. Princeton University Press, Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • Meira SA, Nascimento MAL, Silva EV (2018) Unidades De Conservação E Geodiversidade: Uma Breve Discussão. Terr Plur 12:166–187. https://doi.org/10.5212/terraplural.v.12i2.0002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mercadante M (2001) Uma década de debate e negociação: a história da elaboração da lei do SNUC. Direito ambiental das áreas protegidas: o regime jurídico das unidades de conservação. Forense Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, pp 190–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Mittermeier RA, de Fonseca GAB, Rylands AB, Brandon K (2005) Uma breve história da conservação da biodiversidade no Brasil. Megadiversidade 1:14–21. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0011-52582006000100003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MMA M do MA (2020) Site oficial do Ministério do Meio Ambiente. http://mapas.mma.gov.br/i3geo/datadownload.htm. Accessed 11 Jun 2020

  • Nakashima MR, Alves GB, Barreiros AM, Neto JPQ (2017) Dos solos à paisagem: uma discussão teórico-metodológica. Rev Da ANPEGE. https://doi.org/10.5418/RA2017.1320.0003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nascimento MAL (2020) Aspirantes e Projetos de Geoparques no Brasil: realidades e desafios. Available in: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxsSaruUTH8&t=7070s>. Acess in: 19 march. 2020.

  • Pacheco CSGR, dos Santos RP, de Araújo IPR (2019) Protected areas in the Brazilian semi-arid and the management and conservation of ecosystems. Int J Environ Agric Biotechnol 4:589–597. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/4.3.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pellitero R, González-Amuchastegui MJ, Ruiz-Flaño P, Serrano E (2010) Geodiversity and Geomorphosite assessment applied to a natural protected area: the Ebro and Rudron Gorges Natural Park (Spain). Geoheritage 3:163–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-010-0022-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peixoto R (2020) Avaliação da Geodiversidade de Portugal Continental. Universidade do Minho, p 82

  • Pereira DI, Pereira P, Brilha J, Santos L (2013a) Geodiversity assessment of Paraná State (Brazil): an innovative approach. Environ Manage 52:541–552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-013-0100-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira P, Pereira D, Brilha J, Santos L, Henriques R ( 2013b) Assessment of Mainland Portugal geodiversity.Abstract presented at the 8th International conference (AIG) on Geomorphology, Paris.

  • Reynard E, Brilha J (2017) Geoheritage: assessment, protection, and management, 1st edn. Elsevier

  • Ross JLS, Lohmann M, Cunico C (2020) Ordenamentoterritorial. National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPQ) report n. 409071/2018.8

  • Ross JLS (2001) Os fundamentos da Geografia da Natureza. In: Ross JLS (ed) Geografia do Brasil, 4th edn. EDUSP, São Paulo

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross JLS (2016) O relevo brasileiro no contexto da América do Sul. Rev Bras Geogr 61:21–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruban DA (2010) Quantification of geodiversity and its loss. Proc Geol Assoc 121:326–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2010.07.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rylands AB, Brandon K (2005) Uma breve história da conservação da biodiversidade no Brasil. 1

  • Santos HG, Jacomine PKT, Anjos LHC, Oliveira VA, Lumbreras JF, Coelho MR, Almeida JA, Araújo Filho JC, Oliveira LB, Cunha TJF (2018) Sistema brasileiro de classificação de solos, 5 edn. rev. EMBRAPA, Brasília

  • Saout SL, Hoffmann M, Shi Y, Hughes A, Bernard C, Brooks TM, Bertzky B, Butchart SHM, Stuart SN, Badman T, Rodrigues ASL (2013) Protected areas and effective biodiversity conservation. Science 342(80-):803–805. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1239268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schobbenhaus C, Brito-Neves BB (2003) A geologia do Brasil no contexto da Plataforma Sul-Americana. In: Bizzi LA, Schobbenhaus C, Vidotti RM, Gonnçalves JH (eds) Geologia, tectonica e recursos minerais do Brasil 2. CPRM, Brasilia, pp 5–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Serrano E, Ruiz-Flaño P, Valladolid (2007) Geodiversity : a theoretical and applied concept. Geogr Helv 62:140–147. https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-62-140-2007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serrano E, Ruiz-Flaño P (2007) Geodiversidade: Concepto, evaluación y aplicación territorial. El caso de Tiermes Caracena (Soria). Boletín de la A.G.E., n. 45, pp 79–98

  • Silva JP, Nakashima MR (2018) Mapeamento e análise dos Índices de Geodiversidadedo Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR). In: XXII Simpósio Nacional de Geomorfologia. Crato-CE

  • Silva JP, Rodrigues C, Pereira DI (2015) Mapping and Analysis of geodiversity indices in the Xingu River Basin, Amazonia, Brazil. Geoheritage 7:337–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-014-0134-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silva JP (2012) Avaliação da diversidade de padrões de canais fluviais e da geodiversidade na Amazônia - Aplicação e discussão na Bacia Hidrografica do Rio Xingu. 277

  • Silva JP, Barreto HN (2014) Mapeamento dos Índices de Geodiversidadeda Amazônia Legal Maranhense. Rev Geonorte 10-Ed Es:55–60

  • Silva JP, Pereira DI, Aguiar AM, Rodrigues C (2013) Geodiversity assessment of the Xingu drainage basin. J Maps 9:254–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2013.775085

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silva MLN, Nascimento MAL, Mansur KL (2019) Quantitative Assessments of geodiversity in the area of the Seridó Geopark project, Northeast Brazil: grid and centroid analysis. Geoheritage 11:1177–1186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-019-00368-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanzolini PE (1970) Zoologia sistematica, geografia e a origem das especies. Inst Geogr Serie Tese:1–56

  • WRB IWG (2015) World reference base for soil resources 2014, update 2015. International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps, World Soil. FAO, Rome

  • Zwoliński Z (2009) The routine of landform geodiversity map design for the Polish Carpathian Mts. Landf Anal 11:77–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Zwoliński Z, Najwer A, Giradino M (2018) Methods for assessing geodiversity. In: Reynard E, Brilha J (eds) Geoheritage: Assessment, Protection, and Management. Elsevier, pp 27–52

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Geografia, Centro de Ciências Humanas, Letras e Artes, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5.790, Jd. Universitário, Maringá, Paraná, CEP 87020-900, Brasil

    Juliana de Paula Silva & Mateus Grochoski Felini

  2. Departamento de Geografia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, s/n, Campus Universitário de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, CEP 40.170-020, Brasil

    Grace Bungenstab Alves

  3. Departamento de Geografia, Faculdade de Filosofia Letras e Ciências Humanas , Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 338, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brasil

    Jurandyr Luciano Sanches Ross

  4. Departamento de Geografia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6.627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brasil

    Fábio Soares de Oliveira

  5. Departamento de Geologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas E da Terra, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Bairro Lagoa Nova, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal, Rio Grande Do Norte, CEP 59078-970, Brasil

    Marcos Antônio Leite do Nascimento

  6. Curso de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Tecnológica Federal Do Paraná, Linha Santa Bárbara s/n, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, CEP 85601-970, Brasil

    Fernando César Manosso

  7. Institute of Earth Sciences, Pole of the University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal

    Diamantino Ínsua Pereira

Authors
  1. Juliana de Paula Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Grace Bungenstab Alves
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jurandyr Luciano Sanches Ross
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fábio Soares de Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marcos Antônio Leite do Nascimento
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mateus Grochoski Felini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Fernando César Manosso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Diamantino Ínsua Pereira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Juliana de Paula Silva.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

de Paula Silva, J., Alves, G.B., Ross, J.L.S. et al. The Geodiversity of Brazil: Quantification, Distribution, and Implications for Conservation Areas. Geoheritage 13, 75 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-021-00598-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-021-00598-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation