POTENTIAL CACHOEIRA DA MULADA GEOSITE: GEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN SERRA GAÚCHA, RS, BRAZIL

Cachoeira da Mulada (Mulada Waterfall), located in the Reserva Bertussi in Criúva (Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil), is a potential geosite within the volcanic Serra Geral Group (GSG). This thick package represents a vast magmatic event that preceded the opening of the South Atlantic. The site combines scenic beauty, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage, making it a significant geotourism attraction. The geological framework places the waterfall within the Paraná-Etendeka Large Igneous Province (PELIP), characterized by flood basalts and acid units of the Early Cretaceous. Two main formations occur at the waterfall: the Vale do Sol Formation (VSF) at the base and the Palmas Formation (PF) at the top, with distinctive rubbly pahoehoe basaltic flows and acidic lava structures shaping the landscape. The Bertussi family maintains the Cachoeira da Mulada, which attends to the site’s cultural legacy, notably as pioneers of traditional Gaúcho music, with the "Irmãos Bertussi" duo gaining national recognition. The site also hosts one of the largest outdoor canyoneering training complexes in Rio Grande do Sul, offering varied rappel routes and training opportunities. A thematic map and digital guide were developed to enhance the visitor experience, alongside educational panels covering geological, geomorphological, botanical, and cultural aspects. Quantitative assessment using the Brilha Method yielded high scores: 290/400 for scientific potential, 310/400 for touristic potential, and 320/400 for educational potential, with a moderate degradation risk (150/400). The results highlight the site's exceptional geological features, strong geotourism appeal, and cultural importance, reinforcing its value for conservation and sustainable ecotourism.