Caracterização geomorfológica da Serra da Formiga e seu entorno, na região semiárida do Seridó Potiguar

Abstract

Over the last few decades, there has been an expansion of the installation of wind farms in semi-arid mountainous environments. This expansion has also affected the desertification core of Seridó. The region has many mountain ranges that are true refuges for fauna and flora. Geomorphological mapping has been a crucial tool with significant importance for the regulation of land use and occupation. The objective of this work was to perform a geomorphological characterization of Serra da Formiga, in the semiarid region of Seridó Potiguar. Field activities were carried out, using portable GPS, digital camera and drone. In an office, thematic maps were produced in a GIS environment using QGIS software. Five relief units were identified in Serra da Formiga and its surroundings: i) plains and river terraces; ii) inselberg; iii) mountain ranges; iv) Superfície Sertaneja I; and v) Superfície Sertaneja II. From this study, it can be concluded that the area has steep reliefs, with many escarpments, which makes land use and occupation difficult. On the other hand, the relief conditions favored the preservation of the caatinga. The installation of wind farms in the area could promote the widespread occurrence of erosion processes and maximize the silting of dams and river channels downstream. Considering the relief conditions in the study area, the creation of a conservation unit could be an interesting strategy aimed at sustainable development