Spatial distribution and geochronology of surface coatings in marine, river- marine and river terraces in the context of climate fluctuations, associated to the Holocene's marine transgression and regression episodes in the Brazilian coast

Abstract

The present proposal is based on the application of the three traditional levels of the geomorphological approach (landform characterization, analysis of the landscape superficial structure and morphodynamics), aiming at reviving the discussion regarding the genesis and spatial-temporal evolution of marine and fluvio-marine terraces along the Brazilian coast. The proposed research also seeks to understand the dynamics of the superficial formations, soil forming material, considering the characterization of the landscape superficial structure as crucial for recomposing the genetic and temporal lapses involved in the deposition and evolution of coastal terraces and their associated soil covers. Within this context, the adopted methodological tool is deeply rooted in the systemic approach, thus seeking to integrate absolute geochronology data of sediments, by the use of Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), with the morphostratigraphical and pedological analysis of the depositional units. Therefore, this proposal aims at enhancing the understanding of the spatial distribution of marine, river and fluvio-marine terraces along the Brazilian coastline, since by means of absolute dating of these landforms it shall be possible to identify the moment of their deposition, as well as correlate them to Pleistocene and Holocene climatic oscillations occurring in sectors of coasts of the country. Due to the regional scope of the proposed analysis, the results may help identify synchronic and diachronic elements operating on the elaboration of the studied landforms, and correlate them to particular regional environmental dynamics acting on distinct moments upon the Brazilian coast. (AU)