The geomorphology of Angra dos Reis and Paraty Municipalities, Southern Rio de Janeiro State

Abstract

This paper analyses the geomorphology of Angra dos Reis and Paraty municipalities, Southern Rio de Janeiro State, regarding both environmental and anthropogenic characteristics. Several analytical procedures were adopted. These included bibliographic and cartographic surveys; geomorphological survey (with the aid of Rapideye images from 2012, at 1:50,000 scale); the construction of altitude class maps, cross-section diagrams and slope angle maps (using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) at a spatial resolution of 90 m). The two contiguous municipalities are very similar in terms of environmental characteristics (i.e. geological formation, geomorphological features, soils, climate and vegetation). Serra do Mar mountain range has two distinct morphological units: (1) the Crystalline Atlantic Plateau, related to tectonic activity within the Serra do Mar, and (2) Paraíba do Sul Valley, related to tectonic episodes within the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira. The other geomorphological units which constitute part of Paraty and Angra dos Reis are the fluvial terraces and fluvio-marine plains, and the main rivers, such as the Mateus Nunes and Perequê Açu (Paraty) and Mambucaba and Bracuhy (Angra dos Reis). The presence of four Conservation Units is another major factor promoting sustainable development in the study area. These Units are under pressure and, consequently, experience many forms of land degradation. Therefore, we hope to demonstrate the importance of understanding geomorphology for the sustainable development of these two municipalities