ABSTRACT

The limestone in the São Domingos area outcrops as an elongated ridge parallel to the major scarps of Cretaceous sandstone. Some large rivers (with discharges up to 5 m3 s−1) pour off the sandstone and sink into the ridge, creating a series of outstanding cave systems, with six caves presently over 5 km in length. The caves are characterized by large river passages with equally large and very well-decorated upper levels. Underground confluences are common in the area, and thus few large springs occur in the distal side of the ridge. The core of the São Domingos karst is now protected by the Terra Ronca State Park.