Multi-criteria analysis for mapping susceptibility to iron formation caves development in the Gandarela mountain range (MG), southeast Brazil

In tropical regions, abundant in iron-rich geological materials, caves that are genetically and geographically associated with exploitable mineral deposits may develop. These have speleological relevance environmentally legally protected Brazil. Thus, for better planning of exploitation environmental licensing, it is necessary to study the genesis development iron formation seeking preserve them without impeding advancement mining. This subject complex, rarely studied, few knowledges on alternatives predict occurrence these caves. gap justifies research products capable assisting decision-makers, planners, competent authorities supporting definition target sites prospecting field. this study, prediction factors involved was evaluated producing a map susceptibility GIS environment using fuzzy logic an analytical hierarchic process (AHP). Therefore, variables: oxide ratio, slope gradient, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), plan curvature, profile lineament intensity, height above nearest drainage (HAND) were selected. variables obtained by processing geospatial data from region Gandarela Range (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The AHP techniques applied, validation results, previously surveyed cave inventory used. results showed satisfactory performance produced predicting areas favorable caves, presenting area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve approximately 0.85, which indicates high rate validates proposed method. Such demonstrate reliable set criteria weights used suitable mapping prospecting.