Geoconservação do patrimônio paleontológico do geossítio de pegadas de dinossauros (Sauropoda) na localidade de São Domingos, município de Itaguatins, estado do Tocantins

Abstract

The present study aims to perform a quantitatively evaluation in order to propose a geoconservation plan to the São Domingos geosite, and, therefore, to contribute with feasible actions, to the preservation of this paleontological heritage. The study area is located in the district in the Itaguatins municipality, northern Tocantins state, Brazil. The studied geosite is characterized by the presence of fossil trackways. The tracks have been assigned to basal herbivorous sauropods that lived in the area during the first periods of the Cretaceous. The following aspects were quantitatively evaluated: risk of degradation and potential for the educational and touristic use of the area. All these aspects were quantitatively evaluated with the methodology described in the app web GEOSSIT, administered by the Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais. The geosite of São Domingos has a high scientific value, of national relevance, The São Domingos geosite has a high scientific value, with a national relevance, a moderate potential of educational use, a low potential of tourist use and a high risk of degradation. The site of interest and of paleontological value has the potential to be used in educational activities at all levels of education, and should be used for such activities. The elements of the geosite are in an advanced degree of degradation and urgent measures are required to mitigate the erosive activities that act on the footprints and that gradually increases its erosion.