Serra Da Capivara National Park: Ruinform Landscapes on The Parnaiba Cuesta

Abstract

Serra da Capivara National Park (SCNP) , situated in the south-east corner of the State of Piaui , north-east of Brazil, harbours one of the most expressive sets of ruinform landscapes carved on sandstone. Its geomorphological uniqueness arises from the combination of geological and climatic factors. The area is located next to the edge of the Parnaiba sedimentary basin of Paleozoic age, where it meets a Neoproterozoic fold belt and an Archean craton. SCNP lies in an ecotone between the caatinga and Cerrado biomes. Adding to its geomorphological singularity, the dramatic landscapes of the Park are overlapped by one of the most important prehistorical heritages of South America. Human presence on this remote tract of the Brazilian savannas dates back to the Late Pleistocene and is singled out by the exuberant collection of prehistoric rock painting and engravings. The relief of the SCNP is characterized by steep sandstone cliffs cut through by narrow valleys that form gorges and water gaps. The relief of the Park comprises three geomorphological units: the escarpment, the dip-slope and the longitudinal depression. Whereas along the escarpment one finds the most remarkable landmarks of the Park such as prominent cliffs and rock arches, gorges and canyons along the dip-slope also reveal an impressively dramatic scenery.