Geography
The Cabo Frio region is in the State of Rio de Janeiro, c. 120 km directly east of the city of Rio de Janeiro. This cape region covers c. 1500 km² from sea-level up to c. 500 m, with less than 10% above 100 m. The region is bordered on the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by the local Serra do Mato Grosso, and on the north by the upper limits of the watershed of the Araruama Lagoon and the lower reaches of the Una and São João rivers.
Three distinct physiographic units are in this region (Map 50): (1) sandy
coastal plains (beach ridges, dunes) and lowlands (tidal areas, lagoons,
alluvial deposits); (2) low hills of the Búzios and Cabo Frio peninsulas
and coastal islands; and (3) inland hills to c. 500 m.
The regional geology consists of a Precambrian crystalline basement of
granitic-gneiss rocks, with local alkaline intrusions. The evolution of
the coastal plain has been greatly affected by relative sea-level changes.
The outer dune system was formed some 2000 years ago under colder and
drier conditions (FEEMA 1988).
Inland and coastal climatic types prevail within the region (Barbiére 1984). From Cabo Frio Island northward to the Búzios Peninsula, the climate is greatly influenced by cold oceanic upwelling from the Falkland Current off the coast (Martin, Flexor and Valentin 1989), which causes reduced precipitation and moderated temperatures. The mean annual rainfall is c. 800 mm and the mean annual temperature 25°C, with minimum 12°C and maximum 36°C. The soil's water balance is in deficit throughout the year, in marked contrast to most of south-eastern coastal Brazil. However, relative humidity averages over 80% due to the moisture-laden winds from the ocean.
Patrocinadores
Eventos
Parceiros
