Geoheritage and preliminary inventory: Initial approaches for developing the Caiuá Geopark Project
Patrimonio geológico e inventario preliminar: Enfoques iniciales para el desarrollo del Proyecto Geoparque Caiuá
Larissa Cristina Menegassi1,*, Juliana de Paula Silva1, André Weissheimer de Borba2
1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia (PGE/UEM), Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Avenida Colombo, 5790, prédio H12, CEP 87020-900, Zona 7, Maringá/PR, Brasil.
2 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia (PPGGEO/UFSM), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Avenida Roraima, 1000, prédio 17, sala 1137, CEP 97.105-900, Camobi, Santa Maria/RS, Brasil.
* Corresponding author: (L.C. Menegassi) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How to cite this article:
Menegassi, L.C., Silva, J.P., Weissheimer de Borba, A., 2025, Geoheritage rand preliminary inventory: Initial approaches for developing the Caiuá Geopark Project: Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, 77(3), A061025. http://dx.doi.org/10.18268/BSGM2025v77n3a061025
Manuscript received: December 19, 2024. Corrected manuscript received: April 24, 2025. Manuscript accepted: May 15, 2025.
ABSTRACT
This study presents a preliminary analysis of the geoheritage within the territory of the Caiuá Geopark Project, located in the northwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The investigation is based on the geosite inventory methodology proposed by Brilha (2016). The study area, situated within the Paraná Sedimentary Basin, demonstrates notable paleontological significance, evidenced by unprecedented discoveries of fossil remains of Mesozoic vertebrates in the rock layers of the Caiuá Group, including specimens of dinosaurs and pterosaurs. Concurrently, the territory features significant geodiversity sites, such as waterfalls over basaltic rocks and unique sedimentary outcrops, in addition to an area of ecological interest. Accordingly, this study describes and characterizes seven preliminary identified sites of interest: two geosites (a paleontological site and a sandstone outcrop), three geodiversity sites (represented by two waterfalls and a rapid), one site of ecological interest (Perobas Biological Reserve), and one site of historical and cultural and interest (Paleontology Museum). These preliminary results aim to contribute to the future application of the Caiuá territory to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, which certifies territories as UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Keywords: Caiuá territory, geopark, geoheritage, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, Paleontology Museum, waterfalls.