Assessment of geomorphological diversity indices of Portugal mainland

Abstract

The results from the assessment of diversity, evenness, and richness indices of geomorphology of mainland Portugal are presented, based on four hierarchical levels of geomorphological units. These indices were calculated on a hexagonal analytical grid, testing eight cell dimensions (1 km, 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 20 km, 25 km and 30 km). The 10 km dimension provided a clearer definition of regional geomorphological specificities, which correspond to areas of higher diversity and richness. The results related to evenness did not allow for establishing such clear relationships with geomorphological units. However, the diversity and evenness indices, along with richness, provide a more comprehensive assessment of spatial diversity. These results are part of the assessment of Portugal’s geodiversity and are essential for comparative analyses between various elements of geodiversity and with other natural and cultural elements.