Caves of Pedra Grande de Igarapé region: geosite with speleological relevance in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais

Abstract

This paper presents information about caves occurrences found in dolomitic and siliceous itabirite in the region of the Pedra Grande de Igarapé, inserted in the municipalities of Igarapé and Itatiaiuçu, in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Fields investigations in the region, allowed identification of over eighteen caves, fourteen placed in rock in situ type and four in talus deposit types. The cavities in situ type are preferred direction NS and linear development ranging from 5 to 50 m. The cavities in talus deposits are linear development from 9 to 35 m and different preferred direction. The area of Pedra Grande de Igarapé is an important speleological site, located at the west border of Quadrilátero Ferrífero region, which needs protection for its conservation.