Burying processes carried out by a mobile transversal dunefield, Paracuru County, State of Ceará, Brazil

The migration of dunes and the consequent burying of the city of Paracuru by a transversal dunefield with perpendicular ridges oriented to the dominant windstream have been investigated. Overlapping aerial photographs taken during different flights have been used as a reference. Two sediment transportation directions were identified: the first is fed by the prevailing easterly winds; the second corresponds to the secondary southeasterly winds. With the maintenance of current wind conditions and pluvial precipitation, dunes will bury part of Paracuru town in approximately 120 years. Within this context, the geological evolution model that was applied proved to be satisfactory for the comprehension of sediment transportation mechanisms along the transversal dunes. Considering the prognosis in relation to Paracuru and its urban growth towards the dunefield, it is necessary to continue to study aeolian dynamics, aiming to develop support for the elaboration of future projects directed towards environmental management of the area.