Une sélection de géomorphosites dans l'île de La Réunion en fonction de critères morphodynamiques

Abstract

The relief of Reunion Island is typical of tropical oceanic islands due to the volcanic phenomena responsible for its construction and climatic conditions, which generate particularly powerful erosion processes. It has geomorphological potential, which has contributed to the creation of a National Park, the establishment of Natural Areas of Geological Interest (called ZNIG) that take into account geomorphology as much as geology and the designation of part of the island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It benefits from many visitors who come to the island to discover its relief. This methodological article presents a selection of geomorphosites, i.e. sites suitable for popularizing geomorphology in the field, based on dynamic criteria and an integrated analysis of the relief. First, four large geomorphological groups are identified and then around twelve geomorphotypes, which are used to determine as many sets of geomorphosites.

Keywords

• popularization of geomorphology
• volcanic landforms
• geomorphosites
• Reunion Island