Geology of the Serra do André Lopes carbonate plateau (SP)

Abstract

Important karst areas with large-scale concentrations of caves occur in the south of the State of São Paulo, associated with Proterozoic carbonate rocks, especially in the region of the Ribeira and Paranapanema valleys. These terrains have been continuously eroded through dissolution processes caused by surface water and groundwater, resulting in typical relief features and caves. In terms of the overall scenario in Brazil, the carbonate rocks of the Açunguí and Itaiacoca Groups occupy a position of special interest as they sustain unique karstic features and associated sedimentary deposits. Despite the large amount of research already performed in the Ribeira Valley region, the Serra do André Lopes carbonate rock plateau, between the municipalities of Eldorado and Barra do Turvo, has not yet been studied from the point of view of its geology, geomorphology and geospeleology. The Serra do André Lopes region is situated within the so-called "Jacupiranga Mosaic", which includes the "Áreas de Preservação Permanente - APAs" (Permanent Conservation Areas) and parks subdivided in 2008 from the former Jacupiranga State Park. Among these, the Caverna do Diabo State Park has the main cave found in the region, this being one of the largest in the state and one of the caves most visited by tourists in Brazil. Tapagem Marble, which comprises the Serra do André Lopes, differs geologically from other bodies of carbonate rock of the Lageado Sub-group, to the west. It is essentially composed of dolomites, which are similar to Itaiacoca units to the west or Capiru in Paraná. In geomorphological terms, it constitutes a carbonate rock plateau, different from the depressed areas of the Lageado Sub-group and the Itaiacoca Group, possibly influenced by recent tectonics in its current configuration. Through this project, it is intended to obtain support for the study of the karst and carbonate rocks of the Serra do André Lopes, with a view to a better understanding of their geology, geomorphology and geospeleology. To this end, field and laboratory studies will be performed, with preparation of a geomorphological map based on a GIS environment, geological detailing, description of the karst landforms and caves and the evolution of this important carbonate rock zone. (AU)