Detailed geomorphologic survey was carried out on a cuesta escarpment section within the border of Parana sedimentary basin aiming to propose an explanatory description of those landforms. Together with data concerning chemical weathering, biological processes, present-day morphogenesis, and tectonics this research intends to contribute to the better understanding of geomorphologic evolution on cuesta-type inter-plateaux transitions in South American subhumid tropics.

Landforms analysis was performed between the cities of São Jerônimo da Serra and Sapopema (Paraná state). Within the sedimentary basin flood basalts built by Jurassic fissure volcanism alternate with Palaeozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary rocks; altitudes range from 200 to 1200m a.s.l. The sample section encloses from top to bottom the back-slope known locally as "third (highest) plateau", the front slope or cuesta escarpment, and the associated orthoclinal lowland. Slope profile survey employed Pitty pantometer which allows direct data survey of slope profiles with a 1.5m accuracy. Numerical analysis followed Doornkamp & King (1971) and Blong (1975) procedures and led to the development of techniques for automatic identification of inflection points, i. e., points limiting segments and elements in the slope profile. Correlation of field survey results with contour maps and GPS (Global Position Satellite) data besides the use of infra-red interaction engineer level made the building of contour maps and surface diagram blocks possible.