Prospecção espeleologica de dolinas e cavernas e seus controles estruturais na área 3d boa Esperança-Município de Felipo e Guerra,RN

Abstract

The work was this dissertation was focused on the structural study of cave exploration and carbonate rocks (limestone) from Jandaira Formation in Potiguar Basin. Mapping were performed on pre-defined area in order to locate and identify natural cavities and tectonic structures, finally, made espeleometria cave discoveries. The study focused near the town of Felipe Guerra in an area of 22.4 km2, composed of four flagstones. The studies began with the choice of the area where the exploration was performed Speleological along sections spaced on average 100 m, following the seismic lines of Petrobrás. At this stage it was identified 12 caves with linear development varied. In a second step we performed the statistical survey on the surface of flagstones with the aid of GPS geodetic, measuring tape and compass of the parameters: size, width, depth and attitude of fractures and joints. In the third and last stage of the field were carried out espeleometria 10 of 12 cavities identified. With three stages of the field completed the data were interpreted and cross, creating a final product with results that showed that the structures (fractures and joints) on the surface of the flagstones have preferences directions N - S, NE - SW and NW - SE , which coincide with the regional structures and influencing the formation of most caves studied. The Dolina dos Ossos the largest and most representative of the 12 cavities shows the strong tectonic control printed in carbonate rocks of Jandaíra Formation. The printout revealed by structures in carbonate rocks of Jandaíra Formation shows the strong tectonic control active in times past and current intensified by the action of water through fractures promoting the dissolution of karst.