Geoformas: potencial estético para uso turístico na área do projeto Geoparque Cariri Paraibano

Abstract

The Earth is dynamic and alive, the natural landscapes that surround us are in constant transformation, due to forming phenomena and responsible for the geological diversity (or geodiversity), constituting a foundation for the existence of life. The geodiversity represents some important values to humanity, among them the aesthetic, which will be explored in this research. The Cariri of Paraíba has a rich geological and geomorphological diversity that needs to be preserved and disclosed. Before this challeged, are presented the geographical formations (geoforms), defined as the existent models in the elements of geodiversity, originated by geomorphological and geological processes, that resemble other known images (such as animal/human shapes, or pseudo vestiges), usually modeled by the action of weathering agents. This work has aimed towards preparing a methodology of evaluation of the aesthetic/tourist potential of those geographical formations through the analysis that the rocks of that region, in order to spread information about the geodiversity through tourism and bring benefits to the community. In order to do this, a research about the places that are known for their formations took place and new ones were discovered, through fieldwork, to evaluate and quantify those areas of geodiversity. The results show the geoforms present in the area proposed by the Geoparque Cariri Paraibano Project, as well as the sites with major potential to illustrate the geodiversity through their scenic beauty. Altogether, this study seeks to contribute to the future achievements of tourist itineraries based around geoforms found in the counties of Boa Vista, Cabaceiras and São João do Cariri, and create possible alternatives for economic development in their resident communities.