A influência da litologia na distribuição da cobertura vegetal e no uso do solo na Serra do Gandarela, Quadrilátero Ferrífero - MG

Abstract

The present work investigates the influence of lithology on the distribution of the vegetational cover and on land use dynamic in the Gandarela Mountain Range (Serra do Gandarela), in the region known as the “Quadrilátero Ferrífero” (“Iron Quadrileteral”) in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. To that end, satellite image analysis and fieldwork were done, and a map of the vegetation, land use, and land occupation was made. This information was also checked against the geological map. The results showed influence of lithology on the distribution of the different phytophysionomies and land uses. The following patterns were identified: (i) ferruginous and quartzite rock fields in the higher part of the relief, associated to areas where rocks are more resistance front of the erosion and the weathering: Itabira Group (Cauê Formation), Caraça Group and Maquiné Group; (ii) fields linked to the context of the Nova Lima Group rocks, especially in the westernmost part of the area; (iii) stational semidecidual forest, occurring for the most part in the areas of carbonatic rocks of the Gandarela Formation (Itabira Group) and on the phyllite of the Piracicaba Group. Regarding land use and land occupation, mining areas are associated to the ferriferous rocks of the Cauê Formation (Itabira Group), and agroforestry activities are generally concentrated on the lower parts of the relief, associated to the rocks of the Nova Lima and Piracicaba groups