Geoconservation of the paleontological heritage of the geosite of dinosaur footprints (sauropods) in the locality of São Domingos, municipality of Itaguatins, state of Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed at performing a quantitative evaluation 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 track fossils. The tracks have been assigned to herbivorous dinosaurs, basal sauropods, which were living 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 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, with interest and paleontological value, has the potential to be used in all level educational activities at, and it is important it should be used for such activities. The elements of thegeosite are currently in an advanced degree of degradation, and urgent measures are required to mitigate the erosive activities that affect the footprint-bearing surfaces and that gradually increase their erosion.