Chapada das Mesas: Unknown Geomorphological Heritage

Abstract

The Chapada das Mesas, located in the north/northeast region of Brazil, in the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, is an area of stunning natural beauty, with rivers, waterfalls, caves and canyons, associated with a wealth of traditional peoples and diversity of flora and fauna. This important Brazilian geomorphological heritage was structured by the uplifting of the Parnaíba sedimentary basin, with the formation of majestic residual reliefs supported by diabase dikes and lateritic sandstones. Part of this natural heritage is protected by the creation of the Chapada das Mesas National Park, a promising tourist destination, but the area is still little explored.