Áreas de riscos geomorfológicos associadas a instabilidade das falésias da praia de Lagoa Azeda, município de Jequiá da Praia, litoral sul de Alagoas

Abstract

The cliffs are complex and dynamic coastal formations, shaped by erosive processes. In addition to their scenic beauty, which makes them a tourist attraction, they perform significant environmental functions for coastal dynamics. The study of these features allows for an understanding of the interactions between natural and anthropic factors that influence their instability, as well as the associated risks, especially mass movements, which can pose a threat to society. The research aimed to identify and assess the geomorphological risks associated with the instability of the cliffs of Lagoa Azeda in the municipality of Jequiá da Praia. To achieve this, geoprocessing techniques, literature review, and field analyses were employed. The results show that the urban area, with its infrastructures and activities, influences the dynamics of the coastal system. The containment structures, combined with the sandstones, are contributing to the progradation process in the southern sector, while the central sector is stable, and the northern sector is marked by coastline retrogradation. Regarding land use and cover on the cliffs, the lack of urban planning that supports the environmental protection of the area was observed. Agriculture, with the channeling of drainage near the features, interferes with their stability. This interaction between anthropogenic and natural factors results in distinct morphological typologies, with dissected cliffs predominating in the study area. The classification of these features contributes to understanding erosive processes and diagnosing risks. The risk of mass movements in the built-up area was classified as low due to the containment wall, while the other sectors were classified mainly as high and very high risk. Finally, the study proposes suggestions to contribute to planning, preservation, and safety in the cliff area, involving the Lagoa Azeda community and the responsible agencies for environmental control and management of the area.