Caracterização dos processos geodinâmicos superficiais e impactos ambientais na trilha de acesso ao Parque Natural Municipal Cachoeira das Orquídeas – Presidente Figueiredo-AM

Abstract

The main goal of this project was to characterize the superficial geodynamic processes and environmental impact along the track which gives access to the Natural Park known as “Cachoeira das Orquídeas” (Orchid Falls, in Portuguese), in Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas. In order to reach said goal, physical aspects of the soil throughout the track were characterized, such as: track morphometry description, human influence in terms of using the tracks and park, as well as predictions concerning possible impact upon the park’s ecosystem. Data was gathered on the natural and human aspects on site, which were used as the base for identifying geodynamic processes and the prediction of possible impact. Furthermore, an important procedure wqw carried out for establishing a topographic profile with the help of ArcGis software. It was done with coordinates collected via GPS, which also unfolded into extension, declivity, minimum and maximum altitude data throughout the track. Physical analysis of the soil was also done (profile description, with highlights to color, texture, and density between horizons). Combined with the topographic profile, these generated the land’s toposequence, mainly comprising two classes of soil: yellow Latosol and quartzarenic Neosol. Regarding penetration resistance, the following data stood out: an average of 3.94MPa was observed on the track, and for vegetation covered area on latosol it was 3.11MPa. As for the quartzarenic Neosol, 2 tests were conducted and the average observed on the first was 0.93MPa, while on the second, still on the same class, it was 0.86 MPa. As for infiltration data, the following was observed: on the latosol, the initial infiltration rate was 0.9mm/2min, and 0.4mm/2min at the end, which rounded up to 0.2mm/min. On the forest latosol, the initial rate was 0.7mm/10s, and 0.2mm/10s, which rounded up to 0.2mm/min. On the neosol track, the initial rate was of 3.1mm/min, and 1.7mm/min at the end. On the portion of neosol covered by vegetation, the initial rate was of 2.0mm/min, and 1.1mm/min at the end. The track can be divided into three portions: the plain top section, where rain water puddles get formed; the medium section, where higher declivity and erosion is seen, with the formation of grooves and depressions; and, finally, the lower section, where higher accumulation of rain-transported sediments is seen. Other aspects were also analyzed, such as track destruction and littering. In conclusion, the park reveals geotouristic potential, but organization and management need to be addressed.