Application of EPIK and KDI methods for identification and evaluation of karst vulnerability at Intervales State Park and surrounding region (Southeastern Brazil)

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Publication Date

January 2022

Abstract

Between the Guapiara Plateau and the Paranapiacaba Range, Southern Brazil, there are karst systems that are under constant pressure from anthropic advancement of various natures, such as mining of carbonate rocks, forestry, agriculture, and human settlement itself. Karst systems develop differently in both geomorphological compartments. At the Guapiara Plateau the karst is not very expressive with scattered and rare karst features in all carbonate bodies covered by this study. The most cushioned relief, with relatively low hydraulic gradients and the short time of exposure of the carbonate rocks did not allow the full development of a karst system at the plateau. At Paranapiacaba Range, the most rugged relief, associated with high hydraulic gradients, purer carbonates and longer exposure of the carbonate rocks, allows karst features to be more concentrated, and greater development in relation to the plateau. This study presents the karst vulnerability and environmental zonation based on geologic and geomorphologic aspects, using EPIK and KDI methods. At the Guapiara Plateau, the karst vulnerability is low and human settlement is more expressive, with little risk to the system and the people who settled there. At Paranapiacaba Range the presence of karst features is constant and concentrated so the vulnerability is very high, but the presence of protected areas to guarantee the preservation of this type of system and the low occupancy and human interference. This study can contribute to public policies for future land use, minimizing any impacts on the karst region.

Keywords

EPIK Method, Karst Vulnerability, Karst Geomorphology, KDI Method, Guapiara Plateau, Paranapiacaba Range

Document Type

Article

Identifier

SFS0071332_00001

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