Assessment of the scientific value, degradation risk and potential educational and tourist use of geosites of Paraúna State Park in Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to quantify the scientific value, degradation risk, potential educational, and tourist use of Serra das Galés and Serra da Portaria geosites of Paraúna State Park, in the municipality of Paraúna, state of Goiás, Brazil. Analysis of the geosites used the quantification method of the digital platform Geossit, managed by CPRM Serviço Geológico do Brasil. Serra das Galés is a site of geomorphological interest that occurs in the sandstones of the Aquidauana Formation. The strata of the unit include reddish sediments with fine to medium grains rich in iron oxide.There is a variety of geoforms in the sandstone rocks of Serra das Galés, including animals, objects and human figures. The Serra da Portaria site is of paleontological and geomorphological interest and some of its features are preserved in a sandstone level of the Aquidauana Formation (Permian-Carboniferous). The upper portion contains portions of the Adamantine Formation (Turonian-Santonian), where isolated residues of indeterminate tetrapods and carnivorous dinosaurs were recently reported. Both geosites are considered of national relevance.