Soils Developed from Grus Associated with the Formation of Paleo-surfaces in the Itu and Salto Region (SP)

• Grant number: 24/01524-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Physical Geography
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Sergio Bernardes Ladeira
• Grantee: Mayra Mac Alpine
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Recently, studies on paleo-surfaces have demonstrated significant potential in discerning valuable information about paleoenvironments and revealing key aspects of subsequent environmental changes. These surfaces exhibit the effects of alteration to the topographic surface over an extended period of weathering, erosion, or non-deposition that is, or was in past times, regionally significant. This theme is present in Brazilian literature, including the interpretation of forms and processes involved in landscape evolution. Such works have been recently refined and incorporating new approaches. The correlation of paleo-surfaces associated with grus (resulting from ancient weathering processes of granitic rock) aims to contribute to this discussion by demonstrating its potential use in paleoenvironmental interpretation and, consequently, understanding its influence on the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of current pedogenesis. This project proposes, through the characterization of alteration profiles, to contribute to the theme through a pedological and geomorphological survey of the study area, which encompasses the Itu-Salto/SP region near the Rocha Moutonée Park. This region is characterized by a significant presence of glacial records and, therefore, holds relevance in paleoenvironmental studies. To achieve this, profiles in proximity will be described, and soil classification will be performed. For data collection, samples will be collected, and morphological descriptions will be made in the field, followed by routine chemical and granulometric analyses from disturbed samples. Additionally, it is intended to conduct micromorphological analyses using undisturbed samples and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to comprehend the pedogenetic and evolutionary processes of the alteration profiles.