APPLICATION OF MORPHOMETRIC INDICES FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF STRUCTURAL AND TECTONIC INFLUENCE ON THE RELIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL MARGIN TYPE ATLANTIC, PARAÍBA/BRAZIL

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4215/rm2021.e20014

Abstract

Understanding the structural and tectonic influences in the elaboration of the relief and the drainage network is necessary in geomorphological studies of continental margin of the Atlantic type, where seismic activities were practically denied in the past, as they did not cause immediate changes in the relief. However, with the expansion of seismographic networks as well as a better understanding of the development of geomorphological processes, it is possible to understand today, that some landforms are in agreement with structures and patterns imposed by tectonics. In this sense, the main objective of this work is to analyze the structural and tectonic influences on the geomorphological configuration of the northeast of the State of Paraíba - Brazil. In this research, morphological analyzes were performed and morphometric indices were applied to interpret the current geomorphology configuration. The results obtained attest to strong morphological and morphometric anomalies of the relief and the drainage network of the study area, such as high dome-shaped structures, graben, rectilinear channels, sudden inflections, indications suggestive of drainage capture and occurrence of knickpoints. Finally, it is understood that the morphological and morphometric characteristics presented are sufficient to affirm that the configuration of the relief and the drainage network of the study area are influenced by lithological structures and by the tectonic activity resulting from the continuous removal of South America in relation to the African continent.

Keywords: Morphometry; Drainage Network; Structural Dome; Mamanguape Graben.

Author Biographies

  • Ivanildo Costa da Silva, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande (PB), Brazil

    Doutor em Geografia pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba - PPGG/UFPB (2020), Professor Substituto na Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (2014 - Atual).

  • Max Furrier, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa (PB), Brazil

    Currently, I work as Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Federal University of Paraíba teaching courses in Geography, Environmental Engineering and Biology programs. I have experience in Geosciences, with emphasis in Geomorphology and Geology and my research is focused on the following subjects: environmental and urban geomorphology, geomorphological mapping, structural geomorphology, environmental planning, geoarchaeology and Latin America. I am a member of the Brazilian Geomorphology Union and reviewer of the Brazilian Journal of Geomorphology, as well as other national and international journals. I am a member of the international editorial board of the Revista Geográfica de América Central (Costa Rica). Since May 2019 I have been a visiting associate professor in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia developing research on urban and anthropogenic geomorphology, geoheritage, geoconservation and geotourism.

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Published

2021-04-20

Issue

Vol. 20 (2021)

Section

Artigos

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