Beachrocks of Southern Coastal Zone of the State of Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil): Geological Resistance with History

Beachrocks observed along coastal lines in tropical regions throughout the world are known by reflect a higher sea level during Holocene Epoch, simultaneously acting as natural erosional protectors. A straight line of sandstone beachrocks along the coastal line in northeastern Brazil adds to that a historical value documented in cartography since the colonial period. These rocks helped in the anchorage of ships since the discovery of the country by the Portuguese navigators. Charles Darwin mentioned these rocks in 1841. This work shows that the patrimonial significance of the beachrocks in the southern portion of the coast of the State of Pernambuco surpasses its geological importance. Composed by sandstones, these rocks were used, since the colonial period, as building material for churches, fortifications, gravestones, roads and sidewalk paving, among others. Several of these edifications, some nowadays in ruins, still represent important historical and architectural heritage. On the other hand, the seawater barrier formed by these belts of sandstone allow the development of ponds, used nationwide and internationally as touristic attraction, generating important financial incomes for the region. However, it is very important to associate the scientific information to the pleasure tourism, aiming to promote the awareness for the conservation and valorization of the beachrocks of the southern coastal zone of Pernambuco as an important geological and historical heritage.