Quantificação e inventariação dos elementos da geodiversidade na Praia da Paciência: potencial pra avaliação de um geossítio

Abstract

The concepts of Geoconservation, geodiversity, and geotourism are widely interconnected. They have contributed to understanding nature as a system—the Earth System—which is complex and dynamic. Based on this understanding, the geoscience community has started to work on conserving nature, developing projects for studying, promoting awareness, and protecting the abiotic environment. Population growth and socio-economic development lead to a gradual increase in the exploitation of natural resources, which often reach their maximum limits, consequently multiplying environmental risks. In this context, large cities like Salvador—home to important areas of geological risk—face issues related to unplanned occupation, especially in rugged terrain areas where rainy seasons can trigger mass movements and pose risks to local populations. The lack of dissemination and understanding of geosciences by government agencies and the public—particularly at the national level—contributes to a general lack of awareness about the processes and the time it takes for nature to form geological heritage. Advancing geological knowledge within society gradually benefits nature, aiding in its preservation for future generations. Therefore, geoconservation is a vital practice for environmental preservation, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that our natural heritage is protected for the future To promote geoscience education, an inventory of the geological heritage was carried out at Praia da Paciência, located in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia. This effort aims to optimize the management of geological resources, the environment, and natural landscapes,the variety of geological elements and processes that make up the abiotic part of the Earth, including rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, landforms, and the processes that originate and modify them over time, as well as to help preserve the geological memory of important sites—especially those considered fragile and vulnerable to natural or human threats. To develop appropriate geoconservation strategies tailored to the local reality, a quantitative assessment method was used, integrated into the GEOSSIT platform of the Geological Service of Brazil. This assessment evaluated the scientific value, degradation risk, educational and touristic potential, and protection priorities. In this project, a survey was conducted of the geological features present at Praia da Paciência. The study identified igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, along with their macroscopic, structural, and geomorphological aspects. The region stands out for its high scientific potential, with significant educational, touristic, and scenic attributes. The beach features rocky outcrops containing the rare mineral safirin, formed under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, alongside other minerals typical of granulite facies. These outcrops provide valuable insights into deep crustal processes, making the site a focal point for scientific studies. Beyond its exceptional geological history and lithological diversity, the area also holds cultural and historical significance. Promoting geosciences to society through formal and informal educational programs can in the future implementation of a geosite (a location with one or more geodiversity elements, well-defined geographically, that have scientific value) in the region.