Geomorphology of Maranhão State

The state of Maranhão is characterized with a diverse geological framework, from which remarkable geomorphological domains have developed. The coastal relief is characterized by flattened lowlands amidst extensive fluviomarine plains and the largest coastal dune fields in Brazil. The Coastal-continent transition presents a dissection sequence of extensive plateau surfaces in relatively modest elevations resulted from fluvial erosion processes on regional scale. Toward the Center-South of Maranhão, the landscape features a set of plateaus and mesas at various higher altitudes unfolded in a complex way, which reflects a differential tectonic uplift processes of the Parnaíba Sedimentary Basin as well as the action of different regional flattening events. The landscape of Maranhão reflects unique and peculiar landforms, which comprises a beautiful geomorphological heritage.