Biogeography of rock shores from Ubatuba, Northern Coast of the State of São Paulo

• Grant number: 10/18292-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2011
• End date: May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Physical Geography
• Principal Investigator: Celia Regina de Gouveia Souza
• Grantee: Celia Regina de Gouveia Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto Geológico. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Ana Julia Fernandes ; Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro

Abstract

Rocky shores are structured in different ways in Brazilian coast. They can be composed by fairly uniform vertical to gently sloped walls that extend themselves for several meters both above and below to the sea water surface, or even by rocky boulders of irregular size and shape. Rocky shores are distinguished by the occurrence of various species of plants and animals with high ecological and socioeconomic importance. The objective of this project is to characterize the biogeography of rocky shores from Ubatuba County, Northern Littoral of the State of São Paulo, in order to identify the factors controlling the sub-tidal phytal biota, such as their geomorphologic, geological and oceanographic attributes, as well as the potential human impacts on these habitats. Field survey will be carried out 18 months-long on three different rocky shores at least. It is also intended to look for physical and biological indicators of Quaternary sea levels, and besides to verify how lifting the current relative sea-level rising might be influencing the present biota behavior. (AU)