Evolution of the morphogenetics processes in cuestiform relief: The Cavalheiro hydrographic basin - Analândia/SP

Abstract

The absolute dating of sedimentary material from geomorphic events developed in many different types of time is able to elucidate the key factors to understand the cuestiform relief evolution. This research aims to assess the dynamics of cuestiform relief morphogenetics processes over the Quaternary and recent anthropic period; and from this assessment, reconstitute the sequence of geomorphic events associated to the denudation process, as well as verify the implications of a human morphology creation in the evolution of this feature and geomorphological processes associated in a historical time scale. The Cavalheiro Stream Basin - Analândia/SP constitutes an ideal area for this research, once it is established in a transition sector between Cuestas Areníticas-Basálticas and Depressão Periférica Paulista, whose origin is related to the process of circundenudation occurred in the end of the tertiary (AB'SÁBER, 1949), and also marked by anthropic activities for years (PINTON, 2009). The research will be grounded on the principles which concern the General Systems Theory, analyzing the watershed as an open system. The analysis of cuestiform relief evolution over the Quaternary will be made using data obtained by colluvium dating through Opticallly Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) method, which is expected to check the dynamics of such denudation process. As regards to the recent anthropic period, this analysis will consider the fluvial sediments dating under lead-210 method. Furthermore, considering the data from correlation of land use and geomorphological maps, it is expected to corroborate the identification of possible implications in the establishment of an anthropogenic morphology in the fluvial sediment load and, consequently, in the morphogenetic processes linked to the cuestiform relief. Thus, this study might constitute a new theoretical effort to elucidate the relief morphogenetic processes of an area characterized by the most typical process of circundenudation. In addition, it is expected to contribute with the anthropogeomorphology studies, as well as to provide subsidies for the guidance of anthropic activities in this study area.