Les effets du vieillissement accéléré, comme la décoloration et la perte de propriétés mécaniques, limitent les utilisationsdes composites bois-polymère (WPC) dans les applications en extérieur. Dans la présente étude, il a été tenté d'étudier l'influence de l'utilisation de fibres délignifiées de bagasse (canne a sucre) en renfort sur les propriétés des WPC et de suivre leur effet sur le contrôle de la photo- et de la bio-dégradation (vis-à-vis des champignons et des termites). A côté des échantillons délignifiés, les effets d'une finition finition transparente ont également été étudiés sur la qualité de surface et la réduction des défauts causés par la photo- et la bio-dégradation d'échantillons pigmentés et non pigmentés. Afin de faciliter l'analyse des données et avoir des résultats plus fiables, des analyses statistiques ont été effectuées sur des données provenant de différentes techniques de mesure. Toujours dans cette étude, les effets positifs et négatifs de l'utilisation de pigments granulaires ont été étudiés. Les résultats ont montré que l'utilisation de fibres délignifiées, selon le type de solvant et le niveau de délignification, provoque des changements sur la qualité de surface et les propriétés mécaniques. En outre, les échantillons délignifiés ont montré une perte de rigidité comparés aux échantillons non-délignifiées. Après vieillissement, les échantillons délignifiés ne montraient pas de réduction du changement de couleur total causé par le vieillissement. Toutefois, les fibres délignifiées accompagnées de pigments entrainent, dans une certaine mesure, une stabilisation de la rigidité des échantillons exposés au vieillissement par rapport aux échantillons non-exposés.De plus, les échantillons avec la finition transparente ont montré des résultats très prometteurs. La finition réduit le changement de couleur total du au vieillissement, et un prétraitement de surface favorise le maintien de l'efficacité de la finition, dans toutes les étapes de la photo et la bio-dégradation. Par ailleurs, les échantillons délignifiés à 70% et les échantillons ayant subi un vieillissement montrent une plus forte biodégradation et une plus grande perte de masse par rapport aux témoins. L'étude métrologique montre que le test non-destructif par vibration est une méthode fiable pour étudier les propriétés mécaniques des WPC et les effets du vieillissement. Néanmoins, il n'a pas été montré d'effet important de la délignification sur le contrôle du vieillissement. Les études sur la corrélation entre les variables ont montré que les changements avant et après le vieillissement peuvent être prédits à partir des résultats de tests non-destructifs. / The effects of weathering, such as color fading and loss in mechanical properties, limit the performance of wood-polymer composites (WPC) in outdoor applications. In the current study, it has been tried to investigate the influence of using delignified sugar cane bagasse fibers as a reinforcement on properties of WPC and follow the effects that it cause on controlling photo and bio-degradation (fungi and termite attacks). Beside delignified samples, the effects of clear coating also have been studied on surface quality and reduction of defects caused by photo and bio-degradations of pigmented and non-pigmented samples. To facilitate the data analysis and having more reliable results, some statistical analyses have been carried out on data from different variables. Also in this study the positive and negative effects of using granule pigments in master batch of components have been investigated. Results have shown that using delignified fibers, depending on type of solvent and level of delignification, cause changes on surface qualities and mechanical properties. As well, delignified samples have shown loss in MOE compare to non-delignified samples. After weathering, none of the delignified samples had reduced the total color change caused by weathering. However delignified fibers with pigments, to some extent, stabilized the MOE in weathered samples compared to un-weathered samples. In addition, clear coated samples have shown very promising results. Total color change was reduced in coated samples and by means of pre-treatments of surface, coating remained efficient in all steps of the photo and bio-degradations. This is while the 70% delignified samples and weathered samples showed higher degradation and weight loss compared to controls and un-weathered ones. Methodology investigation did show that vibration none-destructive test is the reliable method to study the mechanical properties of WPC and weathering effects. Nevertheless, it did not show the significant effects of delignification on controlling weathering. Studies on correlation between variables have shown changes before and after weathering which can be used in further studies on modeling.

Three lateritic profiles from different localities and of varying depth and degrees of development were analyzed for precious metals, platinum, palladium, iridium and gold by radiochemical neutron-activation analysis. In addition, the distribution of major, minor and other trace constituents (iron, silicon, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, zinc, uranium, sodium, chlorine and scandium) was determined. Instrumental activation analysis, radiochemical analysis and conventional chemical procedures were used. The mineralogy of the samples was studied using electron microscopy. Sufficient analytical data were obtained to justify the use of molecular proportions and net changes plots, and a coefficient correlation method, in order to elucidate the geochemical behaviour of the elements during the weathering processes.

The alum shale of Sweden is a sulphidic black shale which was mined for its contents of alum during the 17th-19th centuries. During the thirst half of the 20th century alum shale from Kvarntorp was pyrolysed for refinement of its organic matter. The refuse from the pyrolysis process were deposited in a deposit area which is today known as Kvarntorpshögen. This deposit is still hot due to on-going oxidation of the organic matter, pyrite oxidation and the neutralisation of acid by limestone. This heat generation prevents percolation of water to any greater extent due to evaporation. Once it cools the deposit will be susceptible to extraction. Three materials from the Kvarntorp deposit and a block of alum shale were sampled from the Kvarntorp area. These four materials were crushed, sieved and extracted. The extraction experiment was performed at controlled pH which corresponded to dissolution equilibrium of pyrite, carbon dioxide/oxygen, calcite and slaked lime. In the fifth extraction series the material was allowed to set the pH of the water phase. The extraction procedure lasted for 26 days. Metal content of the four shale materials were analysed by XRF (including contents of sulphur, phosphorous and chloride) and by digestion followed by ICP-MS analysis. Mineralogy of the four materials and the extraction residues were studied by XRD analysis. Metal concentrations of the aqueous samples were analysed by ICP-MS and concentrations of dissolved organic- and inorganic carbon by TOC. Electrical conductivity and concentrations of sulphate was also analysed in aqueous phases with non-manipulated pH. Sulphate and calcium concentrations were highest in aqueous samples from weathered fines indicating the presence of gypsum. Presence of gypsum was also confirmed by XRD. Gypsum indicates weathering since it is a neutralisation product of calcite and the sulphuric acid generated by pyrite oxidation. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon in samples with pH 12.5 were found to be highest from red processed shale and lowest from samples of shale. This indicates different hydrolysis properties or origin of the organic matter in the materials. The majority of analysed metals had highest solid solution distribution under acidic, i.e. pH 3.0, conditions. Under these conditions it was samples from the relatively non-weathered shale that had the highest release of metals, with a few exceptions. At pH 12.5 high concentrations of V, As and Mo was extracted from almost all four materials. The red processed shale released the highest percentages of its total contents of V, As and Mo under these conditions; 28 %, 55 % and 61 % respectively. The high release of V, As and Mo from red processed shale was most likely a result from the pyrolysis process. The roasting induced the formation of oxides which then easily forms vanadate, arsenate and molybdate when exposed to water. Water percolating the Kvarntorp deposit in the future will initially most likely have a near neutral or slightly acidic pH. Lowest concentrations of metals were found in aqueous samples with pH between 5.5-8.5. There is a great risk that the pH of the drainage from the Kvarntorp deposit will in time become acidic due to depletion of buffering capacity. Thus the environmental threat will increase.

Mafic bedrock being beneficial to vegetation is a relationship that is being mentioned in different kinds of nature related litterature. This relationship is however not always explained and other factors may be as important as, or even more influential than, the bedrock content. In this study the relationship between mafic rock and protected areas of nature is being examined, based on the following questions. -          How does geology, with respect to bedrock content and weathering, create benign conditions for vegetation? -          To what extent is the environment on mafic bedrock, or in its proximity, often judged as worth protecting? The theoretical basis for the study is soil formation regarding parent material, based on Jenny´s formula, and weathering according to the Goldich dissolution series. The method used is a comparison between maps showing bedrock and maps showing areas with protected nature. The protected areas are considered as connected to the mafic bedrock if they are within the mafic area, or up to 2 km from the mafic area in the direction of the ice movement during the last ice age (Weichsel) in Sweden. The mainland of the municipality of Oskarshamn, on the southeast coast of Sweden, is used for a case study. The bedrock in this area is mainly felsic, with some minor areas being mafic. The result shows a higher degree of protected nature, for the types “naturreservat” and ”Natura 2000”, on mafic bedrock, or in the vicinity of the mafic area, than for felsic bedrock. The result for Oskarshamn is compared to mafic bedrock areas around Åseda and Fagerhult and to the limestone area around Vintrosa. For all of these three cases there are areas of protected environment, within or in the vicinity of the studied bedrock areas. Although there seems to be a relationship between mafic bedrock and protected nature, other factors need to be considered as well. The influence of topography, access to water, local climate and e.g. the particle size of the soil, may contribute considerably to the content and distribution of the vegetation at a specific place.

Research on hillslope surface processes and hillslope stratigraphy has been neglected in southern Africa. The amount of published literature on hillslope stratigraphy in southern Africa is very limited. Hillslope sediments provide a record of past environmental conditions and may be especially useful in calculating the recurrence interval of extreme environmental conditions such as earthquakes and intense rainfall events. The characteristics of hillslope sediments provide information as to their origin, transport and mechanisms of deposition. No published work could be found that had been undertaken on hillslope surface processes or stratigraphy in the eastern Cape coastal region. This study attempted to fill this gap in the geomorphic literature for southern Africa. The surface processes acting on hillslopes at Burchleigh and Spring Grove in the Alexandria district of the eastern Cape were examined in terms of slope morphology, surface sediment characteristics and the internal geometry of the hillslope sedimentary deposits. The late Quaternary hillslope sedimentary deposits at the two study sites are composed of fine grained colluvial sediments intercalated with highly lenticular diamicts. The fine grained colluvial sediments were emplaced by overland flow processes while the diamicts were deposited by debris flows. The sedimentary sequences at both study sites have a basal conglomerate interpreted as a channel lag deposit. Most slope failures preceding debris flow events were probably triggered by intense or extended periods of rainfall associated with cold fronts or cut-of flows. Seismic events may also have triggered slope failure, with or without the hillslope sediments being saturated. The results of this study indicate that a continuum exists between the slopewash dominated processes of the presently summer rainfall regions of Natal to the present winter rainfall regions of the western Cape where mass movement processes are significant. Hillslope deposits, therefore, provide a record of environmental conditions which may greatly facilitate proper management of the landscape.

In tropical areas, the high rainfall induces severe-and pervasive weathering, producing a thick soil cover. The lithologies underneath may b~ recognised using geochemical mapping, which is based on certain elements that have the ability to differentiate between various lithologic units. Elements that are independent of the weathering process are normally selected for this purpose. The chemistry of mobility of base metals is an important factor to take into account when evaluating the mobility and distribution of these elements in a soil profile. Factors such as pH, Eh, organic material, clay minerals, Fe and Mn oxides are normally key aspects to be considered. When iron-rich rocks undergo deep weathering, lateritic profiles are developed. These are widespread in a belt bordering the equatorial zone, including the Brazilian shield, West and East Africa, parts of India and Northern Australia. In these profiles, the high rainfall promotes intense leaching of the different horizons. Where the pre-existing profiles are mostly preserved, the base metals are distributed throughout the profile: in the upper ferruginous horizon, goethite and hematite can adsorb large amounts of Mo, resulting in large dispersion halo. Other base metals such as Cu and Zn are less resistant in these freely-drained profiles and, therefore, they may be partly leached from the profile. In the lower horizons, Cu, ,zn, Ni and Co are retained, hosted in kaolinite and smectite, and thus, a high geochemical contrast will be identified in this horizon at the expense of a decline in the size of the dispersion haloes. The pre-existing profiles can be truncated, with a thin stone line developing at the contact between the lateritic profile and the recent soil. The conditions in these environments favour the retention of most of the pathfinder and target elements in all soil horizons, with the B horizon showing the highest contrast. If the primary rock is rich in AI, a bauxitic profile will be developed. The world distribution of bauxites closely resembles that of laterites. The behaviour of Co and Ni is very similar to that of iron during the bauxitization. Furthermore, the factors that induce residual enrichment of Al with removal of Fe in the soil profile will cause significant depletion of Co and Ni in these profiles. These metals are then concentrated at the base of the profile because of precipitation from downward percolating solutions. Many karst bauxite deposits in Southern Europe are enriched with Ni and Co in the basal horizon. Such horizon is mined as nickel ore in the bauxites of the Lokris region in Greece. Copper and molybdenum are strongly enriched.in bauxitic profiles. Concentration ratios are 8 and 3.2 for Cu and Mo respectively. Molybdenum is closely related to goethite and hematite, and therefore, the high concentration of Mo in a bauxitic profile will be consistent with the horizon where iron is concentrated. Copper concentrates at the base of the iron rich-horizon but also appears enriched in the saprolite together with Co. When sulphide bodies occur, in this environment, deep and penetrative weathering has resulted in considerable near-surface mobilization of iron and silica. The supergene alteration commonly obscures the identity of the primary sulphides at the surface. In this case, geochemical assessment of the resulting gossan has proved to be crucial in mineral exploration. A search in the secondary mineral assemblage, volatile and precious metals may lead to the information on the composition of the primary sulphide assemblage. The conclusion that will be reached is that if the geochemical properties (mobility, affinities with Fe or Mn oxides and/or clay minerals) of each of the base metals are understood, an appropriate sampling (optimum size-depth combination) will then be done. In such cases, a subdued, weak, but significant, geochemical response will be identified in the surface horizon.

Les matériaux biocomposites, en particulier les composites matrice thermoplastique biosourcée ou non renforcée de charges ou de fibres végétales, connaissent actuellement un essor significatif et présentent pour l'avenir un gisement grandissant de matières en fin de vie. En conséquence, l'étude du comportement de ces matériaux au regard de différents scénarios de fin de vie que sont le recyclage mécanique, le compostage et l'incinération constitue un enjeu scientifique et technologique important. Le premier objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier la fin de vie par retransformation (cycles successifs d'injection et de broyage) de biocomposites à matrice polypropylène (PP) chargé de farine de bois. L'impact de la taille des particules de bois et d'un agent de couplage a été évalué. Une très bonne stabilité mécanique jusqu'à 7 cycles de retransformation a été observée malgré des dégradations des différents composants du matériau. Le comportement face à la retransformation après vieillissement artificiel accéléré ou après une exposition naturelle en extérieur a été étudié. La tendance majeure dégagée est un phénomène de « régénération » des propriétés mécaniques par retransformation, et cela malgré des dégradations importantes après vieillissement. Il a été également été observé que l'ajout de bois a tendance à limiter la photodégradation du PP. Le second objectif est d'étudier la fin de vie de biocomposites à matrice acide polylactique (PLA) renforcé de fibres de lin. L'impact de différents paramètres de formulation, de la technique de mise en œuvre et d'un vieillissement hygrothermique sur la retransformation de ces matériaux a été évalué. Les mêmes phénomènes de « régénération » sont observés, ce qui montre l'effet bénéfique de la retransformation. La fin de vie par compostage et par biodégradation est traitée. Des mesures d'énergies de combustion ont enfin permis d'estimer le potentiel de valorisation par incinération qui serait en lien avec le niveau de dégradation du PLA. / Nowadays, biocomposite materials are booming and will be a growing end-of-life issue for the future. They are based on a thermoplastic matrix (oil-based or bio-based) reinforced with vegetable fillers or fibers. Consequently, the study of their end of life through recycling, composting and incineration is a scientific and technologic challenge.The first goal of this thesis is to study the reprocessing end of life (successive injection and grinding cycles) of polypropylene (PP) based biocomposites filled with wood flour. The impact of the wood particle size and a coupling agent was assessed. Thus, a very good mechanical stability was observed up to 7 reprocessing cycles despite some degradation from the material components. Then, the reprocessing after artificial or natural UV weathering was carried out. The major trend is a “regeneration” phenomenon of mechanical properties after reprocessing in spite of strong degradations after UV weathering. Moreover, the addition of wood filler tends to restrain the PP photochemical degradation.The second goal is to study the end of life of polylactic acid (PLA) based biocomposites reinforced with flax fibers. The impact of the composition, the processing technic and humidity weathering on the reprocessing was assessed. Similar “regeneration” phenomena were observed leading to conclude to the beneficial effect of reprocessing. Then composting and biodegradation aspects were investigated. Heat release rate measurements enabled to estimate the incineration potential which could be linked to the PLA degradation rate.

Les bactéries jouent un rôle important dans le fonctionnement des sols et participent activement à l'altération des silicates. L'altération des silicates contrôle en partie la lixiviation d'éléments minéraux majeurs essentiels en solution (maintien de la fertilité des sols). Cependant, si les principaux processus d'altération des silicates sont bien connus en milieu aérobie (acidolyse et complexolyse), cette fonction d'altération bactérienne des silicates n'a jamais été utilisée comme indicateur biologique de la fertilité des sols. Le premier objectif de ce travail de thèse a donc été d'identifier les processus d'altération de 2 micas par des bactéries hétérotrophes en utilisant un modèle d'altération empirique basé sur l'activité des protons et ligands pour identifier et étudier les interactions entre les bactéries et les minéraux. Le traçage des processus d'altération par les isotopes stables du Mg a également été testé. Le second objectif a été de corréler la fonction d'altération de communautés bactériennes aux conditions naturelles rencontrées dans différents sols. Ce travail confirme que l'oxydation partielle du glucose en acides organiques est le mécanisme prédominant par lequel les bactéries amplifient la lixiviation d'éléments en condition aérobie lors de l'altération de la biotite et de la phlogopite, surtout pour des pH proches de la neutralité. Le modèle empirique utilisé a été adapté pour permettre de comparer les taux de libération initiaux du fer lors de l'altération abiotique et bactérienne de micas afin d'identifier les 2 processus majeurs impliqués. Cette approche a permis de mettre en évidence des phénotypes d'altération en fonction du métabolisme, la compétence des souches bactériennes utilisées et des conditions expérimentales. L'étude menée avec les isotopes stables du Mg comme traceurs d'altération n'a pas montré de fractionnements signant chaque processus. L'utilisation du modèle a ensuite permis de montrer que le potentiel d'altération des silicates par les communautés bactériennes dépend de leur origine et en particulier des teneurs en MO et en nutriments des horizons de sols échantillonnés. Deux stratégies d'altération des silicates par ces communautés ont été mises en évidence : (1) les communautés bactériennes isolées des horizons riches en nutriments libèrent peu d'acides organiques, mais très complexants (stratégie K), (2) les communautés isolées d'horizons pauvres en nutriments libèrent beaucoup d'acides organiques peu complexant (stratégie r). L'approche interdisciplinaire proposée dans ce travail permet d'identifier et de caractériser les processus d'altération de phyllosilicates par des bactéries et offre un outil d'identification fonctionnel prometteur pour évaluer la qualité des sols / The bacteria play an important role in soil functioning and are also involved to the weathering of silicate minerals. The silicate weathering controlled the leaching of essential major mineral elements in solution, essential to maintaining soil fertility. However, although the main weathering processes of silicates are well known in aerobic (the proton- and ligand-promoted dissolution), this function of bacterial weathering of silicate minerals has never been used as a biological indicator of soil fertility. The first aim of this work was therefore to identify the process of weathering in two phyllosilicates by heterotrophic bacteria, using an empirical model of silicates weathering based on the activity of protons and ligands to identify and study the interactions between bacteria and minerals. Tracing of weathering processes by isotopic approach using stable isotopes of Mg has also been tested. The second aim was to correlate the “silicate weathering” function of bacterial communities of various soils in field conditions. This study confirms that the partial oxidation of glucose to organic acids is the predominant mechanism by which bacteria accelerate the leaching of elements under aerobic conditions during the weathering of biotite and phlogopite especially at pH close to neutrality. The empirical model used has been adapted to compare the initial release rate of iron in bacterial and abiotic weathering of micas to identify the two major processes involved. This approach highlighted the identification of phenotypes according to the metabolism and the competence of the bacterial strains used. The study with stable isotopes of Mg as tracers of weathering showed no fractionation during the proton- and ligand-promoted dissolution. Using the model in the second part of this work showed that the silicate weathering potential by microbial communities depends on their origin and in particular the contents of OM and nutrients of soil horizons sampled. Two strategies of silicate weathering in these communities have been identified: (1) the bacterial communities isolated from nutrient-rich horizons released few organic acids, but very chelating (strategy K), (2) communities isolated from nutrient-poor horizons release many low chelating organic acids (strategy r). The interdisciplinary approach proposed in this work to identify and characterize the weathering of phyllosilicates by soil heterotrophic bacteria or communities in different environments. It provides a original and promising tool for identifying functional to evaluate the quality of natural soils

L'objectif de ce travail est de comprendre le processus d'altération des calcaires oolithiques et d'estimer leur cinétique d'altération en fonction des conditions climatiques présentes en France. Pour y répondre, des cycles de vieillissement accéléré, basés sur les paramètres issus de l'étude bibliographique et sur les données de température et de précipitations réelles, ont été définis. Ensuite, des lots d'échantillons de deux calcaires oolithiques ont subis ces vieillissements. Les mesures réalisées pour déterminer l'endommagement ont été choisies en fonction de leurs caractéristiques métrologiques et de leur pertinence. Les résultats obtenus ont été comparés avec les mêmes mesures réalisées sur des calcaires altérés de façon naturelle prélevés sur site. Ainsi, les liens entre le processus d'altération des calcaires et les caractéristiques mécaniques, physiques et surtout microstructurales des calcaires ont été établis. Cette analyse a également abouti à des cinétiques d'altération. Les résultats ont été validés par l'étude d'un autre calcaire oolithique sous d'autres conditions climatiques. Enfin, l'influence de changements climatiques éventuels sur les cinétiques d'altération a été déterminée à l'aide d'un outil statistique / The objective of this work is to understand the weathering process of oolitic limestone and estimate their weathering kinetics under French climatic conditions. Accelerated ageing cycles, based on parameters deduced from a literature review and on temperature and precipitation data, have been defined. Then samples of two oolitic limestones have undergone these ageing. The measurements used to determine damage were chosen based on their metrological characteristics and their relevance. The results were compared with the same measurements performed on naturally weathered limestone. Thus, the relationships between the weathering process of oolitic limestone and their mechanical, physical and microstructural characteristics have been established. This analysis also led to weathering kinetics. The results were validated by the study of another oolitic limestone under different climatic conditions. Finally, the influence of a potential climate change on the weathering kinetics was determined using a statistical tool

Orientador: Fabiano Tomazini da Conceição / Resumo: O processo de denudação continental é controlado por fatores exógenos como intemperismo químico e erosão dos solos. Nesse processo, os sistemas fluviais desempenham um papel fundamental ao transportar os materiais sólidos e dissolvidos de seu local origem até atingir os oceanos. Visando investigar o balanço de denudação no Planalto Alcalino de Poços de Caldas – MG, adotou-se o método de balanço de massa geoquímico aplicado em escala de bacia hidrográfica, cuja análise quantitativa foi baseada nos fluxos de entrada e saída de elementos/compostos químicos em duas pequenas bacias hidrográficas situadas na borda noroeste do planalto. A média da descarga fluvial de sólidos dissolvidos foi estimada em 32,5 t km-2 ano-1 sendo que cerca de 40 % desse fluxo foi atribuído à deposição atmosférica (14,0 t km-2 ano-1) enquanto o restante foi associado ao intemperismo químico das rochas (18,5 t km2 ano-1), enquanto a descarga sólida, estimada em 5,4 t km-2 ano-1, demostra um sistema fluvial de baixo fluxo de sedimento. A taxa de intemperismo químico de fonólitos, tinguaítos e nefelina sienito de Poços de Caldas (2,1 m Ma) foi inferior à taxa de remoção dos solos do planalto (4,0 m Ma), revelando uma tendência de exumação das rochas do maciço a uma velocidade de 1,9 m Ma. A taxa de denudação do Planalto de Poços de Caldas foi reduzida com o passar do tempo geológico e sob o clima atual o relevo de Poços de Caldas tende a se manter na paisagem com pouca alteração em sua forma em um lento pro... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The continental denudation process is controlled by exogenous factors such as chemical weathering and soil erosion. In this process, river systems play a key role in transporting solid and dissolved materials from their source site to the oceans. In order to investigate the denudation balance in the Poços de Caldas Alkaline Plateau - MG, the geochemical mass balance method applied in a watershed scale was adopted, whose quantitative analysis was based on the input and output flows of chemical elements / compounds in two small watersheds situated on the northwest edge of the plateau. The average fluvial discharge of dissolved solids was estimated at 32.5 t km-2 year-1 and about 40% of this flow was attributed to atmospheric deposition (14.0 t km-2 year-1) while the remainder was associated with the chemical weathering of the rocks (18.5 t km-2 year-1), while the solid discharge estimated at 5.4 t km-2 year-1 demonstrates a low sediment flow river system. The chemical weathering rate of phonolites, tinguaites and nepheline syenite from Poços de Caldas (2.1 m Ma) was lower than the removal rate from the plateau soils (4.0 m Ma), revealing a tendency for rock mass exhumation at a speed of 1.9 m Ma. The denudation rate of the Poços de Caldas Plateau has been reduced over time and under current weather the relief of Poços de Caldas tends to remain in the landscape with little change in its form in a slow process of exhumation of the rocks. / Doutor