Morphodynamic Analysis of Pontal da Santa Cruz, Santana do Cariri, Ceará

Abstract

Pontal da Santa Cruz, a segment of the escarpment line of the Chapada do Araripe, is renowned for its esthetic characteristics and tourist and educational potential. However, bibliographic surveys have revealed a significant lack of a geomorphological approach to the region, especially from an evolutionary perspective. Given the local geomorphological significance, the district's growing population and urban growth at the base of the area, the presence of the Araripe Geopark geosite, which draws a big number of tourists, and other sections of the surrounding region, it is crucial to consider the risks of environmental degradation, ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and maintain the existing forms of use and occupation in Pontal da Santa Cruz. The objective of this article is to examine and study the present-day morphodynamics of Pontal da Santa Cruz. The methodology included a systematic review of specialized literature, the creation of thematic maps, and field research. The data analysis offered insight into the existing dynamics of relief modeling brought about by the simultaneous effects of areal processes, such as chemical and physical weathering at both subsurface and surface levels, and linear processes resulting from the Cariús River’s weathering and erosive action, which contributes to the widening of the Brejo Grande Valley, and the Buriti and Buxixé streams’ action, potentially shaping the relief of Pontal da Santa Cruz into a butte. Understanding this current dynamic enables the implementation of geoconservation strategies that can reduce the degradation of geodiversity, especially geomorphological aspects.