Geomorphological mapping of the state of Mato Grosso: taxonomic hierarchy and geomorphometric parameters

Abstract

The geomorphological mapping of the state of Mato Grosso is presented, integrating theoretical and methodological perspectives of geomorphometry, the history of local geomorphological cartography and discussions within the scope of the SBCR. A hierarchical classification was established in four taxons with morphological emphasis (macro landforms, morphostructures, landform units and landform patterns), whose mapping parameters were based on geomorphometric attributes. The proposal focused on the semantic issues used to express the conceptual (qualitative) models of landforms and the classification parameters (quantitative) linked to geometry and morphological homogeneity. The Copernicus DEM and the geomorphometric attributes of mean slope, altimetric amplitude, topographic position index and white top hat were used. The 1^st taxon was classified as plateaus, plains, lowlands and mountains. In the 2^nd taxon, sedimentary basins, orogenic systems and cratons were mapped. The 3^rd taxon resulted in 67 landform units and the 4^th taxon indicated a new subdivision into 16 landform patterns. Considering the integration of the four hierarchical levels, 376 landform classes were mapped in the state of Mato Grosso. It is concluded that the combination of local and focal geomorphometric attributes was successful in generalizing and distinguishing morphologies in terrains with varied characteristics and dissections.