Soil erosion and land degradation are global problems and pose major issues in many countries. Both soil erosion and mass movement are two forms of land degradation and humans play important roles in these geomorphological processes. This paper reviews slope processes associated with mass movement and soil erosion and contributory factors, including physical and human agents. Acting together, these cause diverse geomorphological features. Slope processes are illustrated by reference to case studies from Brazil and UK. The causes and impacts of erosion are discussed, along with appropriate remedial bioengineering methods and the potential of the measures to prevent these types of environmental degradation. Although there are several agents of erosion, water is the most important one. Cultivation can promote soil erosion, due to ploughing and harvesting, which moves soil down slopes. Soil erosion and mass movement data would inform the viability of soil conservation practices. Integrated management of drainage basins offers a promising way forward for effective soil conservation and soil remedial bioengineering in Brazil and UK

Brazil covers 8

Geotourism is a growing activity in Brazil, mainly in Protected Areas, where trails are used by both visitors and local people to access geotourist attractions. The use of these trails can have negative impacts when there is inadequate planning and management. This research investigated two geotourist trails; Caixa D Aço natural pool trail in Serra da Bocaina National Park (State of Rio de Janeiro) and Água Branca waterfall trail in Serra do Mar State Park (State of São Paulo State). Geodiversity values were assessed at both geosites, adopting the methods of Gray (2004Gray ( , 2013. Soil physico-chemical analyses were conducted on samples from 0-10 cm depth. The dominant soil texture on Caixa D'Aço natural pool trail is sandy clay loam and on Água Branca trail all samples were coarse sandy loams. Soils on Caixa D'Aco natural pool trail were compact, with a mean bulk density of 1.41 g/ cm 3 ; whereas on Água Branca trail the mean value was 1.19 g/cm 3 . The geodiversity values at both sites were similar, except for supporting services, Caixa D´Aço natural pool has a medium value, and Água Branca waterfall has a high value. This paper stresses the importance of geoconservation studies in publicizing the geoheritage of Brazilian Protected areas.

apresenta o horizonte B exposto. Cerca de 6,9 t/ha de solo foram perdidos durante o monitoramento (01 agosto 2013-20 dezembro 2014) e mais de 5.354,7 m 3 de água foram escoados superfi cialmente. Salienta-se a fragilidade dos ambientes degradados de baixa declividade frente às altas taxas de perdas de solo e água, que, no período de 17 meses de monitoramento e com chuvas dentro da normalidade para o município, totalizaram 63 dias com ocorrências de escoamento, em solos que tendem à saturação por períodos prolongados. Portanto, o transporte das partículas de solo superfi cialmente está atrelado à baixa drenagem do terreno e à perda da resistência do solo, corroborando em períodos longos de umidade antecedente, sendo este um dos fatores decisivos para se iniciar o escoamento superfi cial.

This paper addresses the role of soil erosion and mass movements on mountainous trails due to human trampling on steep slopes. This is the case of several trails situated on forested areas in South-East Brazil, even those located in protected areas. Two methods were used to achieve the research objectives. Firstly, analyses of microtopography using erosion bridges, which was monitored four times on Caixa D’Aço natural pool trails in Serra da Bocaina National Park. Secondly, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm depth at four sites on Água Branca trail in Serra do Mar State Park. Using this methodology, we assessed soil degradation in two different humid tropical environments. Generally, trampling combined with deficient trail management, play important roles in degrading soils in both areas. Bioengineering techniques should be used to recuperate these trails, which are used by tourists and local residents. We hope this research work may contribute towards improved management in Brazilian protected areas.