Geomorphology of the Serra da Formiga, western ranges sector of the Borborema Plateau, semiarid region of the Seridó, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Over the past decades, there has been a growing expansion of wind farm installations in the mountainous environments of the Brazilian semiarid region. This expansion has also affected the Seridó Desertification Nucleus, an area characterized by several mountain ranges that serve as important refuges for local fauna and flora. The aim of this study was to characterize the geomorphology of the Serra da Formiga, located in the semiarid region of the Seridó Potiguar, Northeastern Brazil. To this end, fieldwork was conducted to acquire data, and in the office, data analysis, image processing, and use of official cartographic databases were performed to create thematic maps within a Geographic Information System environment. Five major landform units were identified in the Serra da Formiga and its surroundings: (i) fluvial plains and terraces; (ii) inselbergs; (iii) mountain ranges; (iv) Sertaneja Surface I; and (v) Sertaneja Surface II. The area is characterized by steep relief and numerous escarpments, which impose restrictions on land use and occupation. Conversely, these conditions have contributed to the preservation of Caatinga vegetation. However, the expansion of wind farms may intensify erosion processes and the siltation of water bodies. Therefore, the creation of a conservation unit is recommended to promote sustainable land management in the area.