Relief evolution of the Quadrilatero Ferrifero (Minas Gerais, Brazil) by means of e0Be) cosmogenic nuclei.

Abstract

This paper investigates the evolution of the relief within the so-called Iron Quadrangle (Quadrilatero Ferrifero) in Minas Gerais, Brazil, by means of quantification of erosion processes, which affected the principal rock types of the region. The method used is based on measurement of in-situ produced cosmogenic 10Be concentration in fluvial sediments. The results indicate that the regional landscape evolution is controlled by lithotypes: the most resistant areas correspond to substrates developed on itabirites and quartzites (long-term erosion rates between 0.29 to 2.35 m/My), whereas the most fragile ones developed on schistphyllites (long-term erosion rates between 7.95 to 11.82 m/My) and granite-gneisses (longterm erosion rate at 12.92 m/My).