Calculation of Geodiversity from Landscape Units of the Cadeado Range Region in Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

This work aims to carry out a quantitative evaluation of geodiversity in a unit of Cadeado Range, Parana state, Brazil, on the eastern edge of the Parana sedimentary basin. We identified and defined eight compartments or landscape units using an integrated analysis of the set of elements of their geoecological structure: geomorphological, geological, pedological, hydrologic, and socioeconomic features. We made a quantitative evaluation of the abiotic elements of the landscape, aiming to understand the spatial distribution of geodiversity. To this, we applied the calculation of geodiversity index proposed by Serrano and Ruiz-flano ((62):1–8, 2007), in order to determine the geodiversity richness index for each compartment, as well as the distribution or relative frequency of the elements. It was possible to demonstrate that compartments with a wider territorial area do not necessarily hold a greater richness index and that compartments with greater richness area do not necessarily shelter a better equability or relative frequency among elements. Therefore, areas with a higher geodiversity index are associated with a balance between element distribution in a given area and its richness. We believe that this method can inform future studies to compare rates of geodiversity and biodiversity in the territory with a nature conservation aim.