Considerations on geomorphological mapping of the Brazilian territory: Some approaches in regional representation

Abstract

In the geomorphological literature the existence of several methodologies for relief mapping makes difficult to compare products made by different authors. The present study, based on geomorphological mappings of Brazilian government institutions, intends discuss the main methodologies used in the last years. It was possible to indentify two main methodological ways, which are based on the concepts of ‘units of relief’ and ‘typology of relief’. The first presents a hierarchically ordered structure of relief classification, emphasizing particular characteristics of homogeneous sets of relief features, often designating proper names. The second is based on application of generic classes of relief, which has representativity in the area of mapping, for geomorphological classification of a territory. The use of one methodology over the other depends on objectives of each mapping, since they show advantages and disadvantages. Difficulties in comparison among geomorphological mappings also come from indiscriminate use of terms and geomorphological concepts, which refer to names and definitions of geomorphological features. Finally, it is possible to find an integration of different methodological approaches and also to diminish difficulties of interpretation. For this, an effort is required to adapt and revise existing methodological structures, besides a greater dedication to comply with the rules defined in the methodologies themselves.