Caracterização geológico-geofísica do meio aqüífero fissural : uma contribuição aos modelos de fluxo e armazenamento de água subterrânea

Northeastern Brazil is mainly formed by crystalline terrains (around 60% in area). Moreover, this region presents a semi-arid climate so that it is periodically subject to drought seasons. Furthermore, ground water quality extracted fromwells usually presents poor quality because of their high salinity contents. Nevertheless, ground water is still a very important source of water for human and animal consumption in this region. Well sitting in hard rocks terrains in Northeastern Brazil offers a mean success index of aboul 60%, given that a successful siting is defined by a well producing at least 0.5 m³/h. This low index reveals lack of knowledga about the true conditions of storage and percolation of ground water in crystalline rocks. Two models for structures storing and producing ground water in crystalline rocks in Northeastem Brazil have been proposed in the literature. The first model,tradnionally used for well sitting since the sixties are controlled by faults or fractures zones. This model is commonly referred, in Brazilian hydrogeological literature, as the "creek-crack" model (riacho-fenda in Portuguese). Sites appearing to present dense drainage network are preferred for water well siting - particularly at points where the drainages cross-cul each other. Field follow up work is usually based only on geological criteria. The second model is the "eluvio-alluvial through" (calha eluvio-aluvionar in Portuguese); it is also described in the literature but it is not yet incorporated in well sitting practice. This model is based on the hypothesis that reclilinear drainages can also be controlled by the folietion of the rock. Eventually, depending upon the degree of weathering, a through-shaped structure filled with sediments (alluvium and regolith) can be developed which can store and water can be produced from. Using severalfield case studies, this Thesis presents a thorough analysis ofthe two above cited models and proposes a new model. The analysis is based on an integrated methodological approach using geophysics and structural geology. Both land (Resitiviy and Ground Penetrating Radar- GPR) and aerogeophysical (magnetics and frequency domain eletromagnetics) surveys were used. Slructural analysis emphasized neolectonic aspects; in general, itwas found that fractures in the E-W direction are relatively open, as compared to fracturas inthe N-S direction, probably because E-W fractures were opened by the neotectonic stress regime in Northeastern Brazil, which is controlled by E-W compression and N-S extension. The riacho-fenda model is valid where drainages are controlled by fractures. The degree of fracturing and associated weathering dictale the hydrogeological potential of the structure. Field work in structural analogues reveals that subvertical fractures show consistent directions both in outcrop and aerophotograph scales. Geophysical surveys reveal subvertical conductive anomalies associated to the fracture network controlling the drainage; one of the borders of the conductive anomaly usually coincide wih the drainage. An aspect of particular importance to the validation of fracture control are the possible presence of relalively deep conductive anomalies wihoul continuation or propagalion to the surface. The conductive nature of lhe anomaly is due to the presence of wealhered rock and sedirnenls (alluvium and/or regolilh) storing ground waler which occur associated to the fracture network. Magnetic surveys are not very sensisnive to these structures.lf soil or covering sedirnents are resislive (> 100 Ohm.m), GPR can ba used to image precisely lhe fracture network. A major limialion of riacho-fenda model, revealed by GPR images, is associated to the fact thal subhorizontal fractures do play a very important role in connecting the fracture network, besides connect shallow recharge zones to relalively deep subvertical frecture zones. Iffractures play just a secondary control on the drainage, however, r/acho-fenda model may have a very limiled validny; in these cases, large portions oflhe drainage do nol coincide wilh frectures and mosl oflhewells localed in lhe drainage surrounding would resull dry. Usually, a secondary conlrol on lhe drainage by Ihefraclure networkcan be revealed only wilh detailed geophysical survey. The calha elClv1o-aluvlonarmodel is valid where drainages are conlrolled by folialion. The degree 01 wealhering 01 lhe lolialion planes dictales lhe hydrogeological polenlial 01 lhe slruclure. Outcrop analysis reveals Ihal lolialion and drainage direclions are parallel and Ihal no Iraclures, orfraclures wilh diflerent directions 01 lhe drainage direclion occur. Geophysical surveys reveal conduclive anomalies in a slab lorm associaled 10 lhe Ihrough 01 lhe wealhered rock and sedimenls (alluvium and/or regolith). Magnelic surveys can ofler a very good conlrol on lolialion direclion. An importanl aspect 10 validale lolialion conlrol are lhe presence 01 conductive anomalies showing shallow and deep portions area which are linked. Illhere is an exlensive soil cover, r/acho-fenda and calha eIClv1o-aluv/onar conlrols can be easily misinlerpreled in lhe absence 01 geophysical conlrol. Certainly, Ihis lacl could explain at leasl a part of lhe failure index in well sitting. The model wealhering sack (bolsllo de Intempertsmo in Portuguese) is proposed to explain cases where a very inlensive wealhering occur over lhe crystalline rock so Ihal a secondary inlerslilial porosity is crealed. The waler is Ihen stored in lhe porous of lhe regolilh in a similar mannerlo sedimentary rocks. A possible example ofthis model was delecled by using land geophysical survey where a relalivelyvery deep isolaled conduclive anomaly, in a slab form, was delected. Iflhis structure does store ground waler, certainly Ihere must be a link 01 lhe deep slructure wilh lhe surface in orderlo provide walerfeeding. This model mighl explain anomalous waler yields as greal as 50 m³/h Ihalsomelimescan occur in crystalline rocks in Northeaslern Brazil

Evolução geodinâmica e condicionamento estrutural dos terrenos Piancó-Alto Brígida e Alto Pajeú, domínio da zona transversal, NE do Brasil

This thesis aims to advance in the geological knowledge of the region comprising the Piancó-Alto Brígida (TPAB) and Alto pajeú (TAP) terranes, in the Transversal Zone Domain (Borborema Province, NE Brazil), with the main objective of understanding the geodynamic evolution and the structural framework of these units. To reach this objective, and besides field work and interpretation of traditional aerial photographs, other tools were employed like of remote sensing products (Landsat 7 ETM+, aeroradiometrics, aeromagnetics and topographical images), lithogeochemical (whole rock) analyses and geochronological dating (U-Pb in zircon), besides integration with literature data. In the area, several precambrian geological units outcrop, represented in the TAP by the paleoproterozoic Serra Talhada and Afogados da Ingazeira complexes, Riacho Gravatá Complex (metavolcano-sedimentary sequence of Stenian-Tonian age) and Cariris Velhos orthogneisses (of Tonian age). The TPAB comprises the Santana do Garrote (lower unit) and Serra do Olho d'Água (upper unit) formations of the Cachoeirinha Group (Neoproterozoic III), besides the Piancó orthogneisses and Bom Jesus paragneisses; the latter correspond to an older (basement ?) block and a possible high grade equivalent of the Cachoeirinha Group (or Seridó Group ?), respectively. Several Brasiliano-age plutons occur in both terranes.The aeromagnetic data show the continuity, at depth, of the main shear zones mapped in the region. The Patos, Pernambuco, Boqueirão dos Cochos, Serra do Caboclo, Afogados da Ingazeira/Jabitacá and Congo-Cruzeiro do Nordeste shear zones reach depths greater than to 6-16 km. The aeromagnetic signature of other shear zones, like the Juru one, suggests that these structures correspond to shallower crustal features. The satellite images (Landsat 7 ETM+) and aerogamaspectrometric images discriminate different geological units, contributing to the mapping of the structural framework of the region. The Serra do Caboclo Shear Zone was characterized as the boundary/suture between the TPAB and TAP. This structure is an outstanding, pervasive feature that separates contrasting geological units, such as the Neoproterozoic III Cachoeirinha Group in the TPAB and the Riacho Gravatá Complex and the Cariris Velhos metaplutonics, of Stenian-Tonian age, in the TAP. Occupying different blocks, these units are not found in authoctonous relations, like unconformities and intrusive contacts. Concerning the Cariris Velhos (ca. 1,0 Ga old) event is recorded by radiometric ages of the Riacho Gravatá Complex metavolcanics and intrusive augen and orthogneisses, all of them displaying geochemical affinities of arc or collisional settings. A structural signature of this event was not recorded in the region, possibly due to its low grade/low strain style, obliterated by the overprinting of younger, higher grade/high strain Brasiliano-age fabrics.The first tectonic event (D1) observed in the Cariris Velhos lithotypes presents contractional kinematics with transport to the NW. Neoproterozoic III geochronologic dates, obtained in late-D1 granitoids, imply a Brasiliano age (ca. 610-600 Ma) for this deformation event. The second tectonic event (D2) characterized in the region corresponds to the Brasiliano transcurrent kinematics of the outstanding shear zones and associated granitoid plutons. The geochronological (U-Pb in zircon) data obtained during this thesis also confirms the occurrence of the Cariris Velhos magmatic suite in the TAP, as well as the Neoproterozoic III age to the Cachoeirinha Group in the TPAB. The TAP (Riacho Gravatá Complex, augen and orthogneisses) is interpreted as a continental arc possibly accreted to a microcontinent during the Cariris Velhos (Stenian-Tonian) event. Later on, this terrane collided with the TPAB at the beginning of the Brasiliano orogeny (D1 contractional deformation), and both domins were reworked by the transcurrent shear deformation of the D2 event

Evolução tectono-estrutural do Campo de Xaréu (Sub-bacia de Mundaú, Bacia do Ceará - NE do Brasil: abordagem multiescala e pluriferramental

The Xaréu Oil Field, located in the center-southern portion of the Mundaú Sub-Basin (eastern portion of the Ceará Basin), is characterized by a main Iramework of NW-trending and NE-dipping faults. The faults in the Xaréu Oil Field, among which the Xaréu Fautt stands out, are arranged according to an extensional-listriclan, rooted on a detachment surface corresponding to the Mundaú Fault, the border fautt of Mundaú Sub-Basin. During the tectonic-structural evolution of the Xaréu Oil Field and the Mundaú Sub-Basin, the Mundaú Fault played a crucial role on the control of the geometry of both compartments. The main carbonatic unit in the Xaréu Oil Field, named the Trairí Member(Paracuru Formation of Late Aptian to Early Albian age), contains the largest oil volume in the field, concentrated in structurally-controlled accumulations. The Trairí Member is composed by a variety of carbonatic rocks (massive, bedded or laminated calcilutites, ostracodites, calcarenites and carbonatic rudites, all of them presenting variable degrees of dolomitization). The carbonatic rocks are interbedded into thick packages of black shales and marls, besides local beds of siliciclastic conglomerates, sandstones, siltnes and argillites. From the spatial association and the genetic relationships between the carbonatic and siliciclastic units, it is possible to group them in three lithofacies associations (Marginal Plain, Ramp and Lacustrine Interior) that, together, were developed in a lacustrine system associated to a marginal sabkha. Structural studies based on drill coresthat sample the Trairí Member in the Xaréu Oil Field allowed to characterize two generations of meso- to microscale structures: the D1 group presents a typical hydroplastic character, being characterized by intra/interstratal to oblique-bedding shear zones. The hydroplastic character related to these structures allowed to infer their development at an early-lithilication stage of the Trairí Member, leading to infer an Early Cretaceous age to them. The second group of structures identified in the drill cores, nominated D2 and ascribed to a Neogene age, presents a strictly brttle character, being typilied by normal faults and slickenfibers of re-crystallized clayminerals, ali olthem displaying variable orientations. Although the present faults in the Xaréu Oil Field (and, consequently, in the Mundaú Sub-Basin) were classically relerred as struetures of essentially normal displacement, the kinematics analysis of the meso-to microscaie D1 struetures in the drill cores led to deline oblique displacements (normal with a clockwise strike-slip component) to these faults, indicating a main tectonic transport to ENE. These oblique movements would be responsible for the installation of a transtensive context in the Mundaú Sub-Basin, as part of the transcurrent to translormant opening of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin. The balancing of four struetural cross-sections ofthe Xaréu Oil Field indicates that the Mundaú Fault was responsible for more than 50% of the total stretching (ß factor) registered during the Early Aptian. At the initial stages of the "rifting", during Early Aptianuntil the Holocene, the Mundaú Sub-Basin (and consequently the Xaréu Oil Fleld) accumulated a total stretching between 1.21 and 1.23; in other words, the crust in this segment of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin was subjeeted to an elongation of about 20%. From estimates of oblique displacements related to the faults, it ws possible to construct diagrams that allow the determination of stretching factors related to these displacements. Using these diagrams and assuming the sense 01 dominant teetonictransport towards ENE, it was possible to calculate the real stretching lactors related to the oblique movement 0 of the faults in the Mundaú Sub-Basin. which reached actual values between 1.28 and 1.42. ln addnion to the tectonic-structural studies in the Xaréu Oil Field, the interpretation of remote sensing products, coupled wnh characterization of terrain analogues in seleeted areas along the northern Ceará State (continental margins of the Ceará and Potiguar basins), provided addnional data and constraints about the teetonic-structural evolution of the oil lield. The work at the analogue sites was particularly effective in the recognition and mapping, in semidetail scale, several generations of struetures originated under a brittle regime. Ali the obtained information (from the Xaréu Oil Field, the remote sensor data and the terrain analogues) were jointly interpreted, culminating with the proposnion of an evolutionary model lor this segment of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin; this model that can be applied to the whole Margin, as well. This segmentof the Atlantic Equatorial Margin was delormedin an early E-W (when considered lhe present-day position of the South American Plate) transcurrent to transform regime with dextral kinematics, started Irom, at least, the Early Aptian, which left its record in several outcrops along the continental margin of the Ceará State and specilically in the Xaréu off Field. The continuous operation of the regime, through the Albian and later periods, led to the definitive separation between the South American and African plates, with the formation of oceanic lithosphere between the two continental blocks, due to the emplacement off spreading centers. This process involved the subsequent transition of the transcurrent to a translorm dextral regime, creating lhe Equatorial Atlantic Oceano With the separation between the South American and African plates already completed and the increasing separation between lhe continental masses, other tecton ic mechanisms began to act during the Cenozoic (even though the Cretaceous tectonic regime lasted until the Neogene), like an E-W compressive stress líeld (related to the spreading olthe oceanic floor along lhe M id-Atlantic Ridge and to the compression of the Andean Chain) effective Irom the Late Cretaceous, and a state of general extension olthe horizontal surface (due to the thermal uplift ofthe central portion of Borborema Province), effective during the Neogene. The overlap of these mechanisms during the Cenozoic led to the imprint of a complex tectonic framework, which apparently influenced the migration and entrapment 01 hydrocarbon in the Ceará Basin

Reavaliação de critérios estruturais na hidrogeologia de terrenos cristalinos, com ênfase na neotectônica e sensoriamento remoto

Hydrogeological prospecting in Northeast Brazil and in other crystalline terrains has been developed on the basis of structural and regional geology concepts that date back to the 50-60 decades and, as such, demand a natural re-evaluation and update. In this kind of terrain, the percolation and accumulation of ground water are controlled by fractures and other types of discontinuities, such as foliations and geological contacts that, through weathering, impart porosity and permeability to the rocks, allowing water flow and storage. Several factors should be considered in the process of locating water wells, as discussed in the literature. Among these, the kind of structures, fracture geometry (including aperture and connectivity) and their geological and chronological context. It is important to correlate fracture systems with the regional neotectonic framework. Fractures at low angle (sub parallel) with the principal stress axis (s1) are those which tend to open (actually they work as tension joints) and, in principle, would present major hydric potential; in the opposite side, fractures at high angle to s1 would behave as closed by a compressional component. Fractures diagonal to the compression and tension axes correspond to shear fractures and, due to their connectivity with second fractures, are also important in terms of hydric potential. Uplift followed by terrain denudation leads to decompression and a general tendency to open (aided by weathering processes) fractures and other rock discontinuities, at different orientations. Low angle fractures, formed in this context, are equally important to increase connectivity, collection of water and recharge of the aquifer systems. In a general way, an opening component (neotectonic or by terrain decompression) and several models to increase fracture connectivity correlate with a greater hydric potential of these structures. Together with parallel research, this thesis addresses models of ground water occurrence in crystalline terrains, either improving well established concepts like the (Riacho-Fenda model), but also stressing other possibilities, like the role of alluvium and paleo-regoliths (the Calha Elúvio-Aluvionar model) and of strongly altered, permo-porous zones placed at variable depths below the present surface, flanking several types of discontinuities, especially interconnected fracture arrays (the Bolsões de Intemperismo model). Different methodological approaches are also discussed in order to improve success rates in the location of water wells in crystalline terrains. In this methodological review, a number of case studies were selected in the eastern domain of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, involving the localities of Santa Cruz, Santo Antônio, Serrinha, Nova Cruz, Montanhas, Lagoa de Pedras and Lagoa Salgada. Besides the neotectonic analysis of brittle structures, this Thesis addresses the validation of remote sensing as a tool for ground water prospecting. Several techniques were tested in order to detect and select areas with higher potential for ground water accumulation, using Landsat 5-TM and RADARSAT images, besides conventional aerial photos. A number of filters were tested to emphasize lineaments in the images, improving their discrimination, to identify areas with higher overburden humidity, which could reflect subsurface water accumulation, as well as alluvium and other sedimentary covers that might act as recharge zones. The work started with a regional analysis with the orbital images, followed by analysis of aerial photos, up to a detailed structural study of rock exposures in the terrain. This last step involved the analysis of outcrops surrounding wells (in a ray of approximately 10 to 100 m) with distinct productivities, including dry examples. At the level required for detail, it was not possible to accomplish a statistical approach using the available well data catalogs, which lack the desired specific information. The methodology worked out in this Thesis must undergo a testing phase through location of new water wells. An increase in the success rates as desired will led to a further consolidation step with wider divulgation of the methodology to private companies and governmental agencies involved in ground water prospecting in crystalline terrains

Mecanismos de alojamento de magmas granitóides :exemplo do plúton de Japi(RN)

This dissertation describes the igneous suites of the Japi granitoid pluton, intrusive in the Paleoproterozoic gneiss-migmatite complex of the eastern domain of the Seridó Belt, northeastern Brazil. Field relations show that the pluton is affected by strong deformation associated to the Brasiliano orogeny (known as the D3 phase) , with a NW-trending extensionalleft-hand senestral shear zone (the Japi Shear Zone, JSZ) bordering the intrusive body to the west. Four plutonic suites are found in the main pluton and as satellyte intrusions, besides Iate pegmatite and pink leucogranites. An alkaline granitoid suite, dominated by syenogranites bearing sodic augite (and subordinate hornblende), define a main elliptical intrusion. In its northern part, this intrusion is made up by concentric sheets, contrasting with a smaller rounded stock to the south. These granites display a pervasive solid-state S>L fabric developed under high T conditions, characterized by plastic deformation of quartz and feldspar. It is especially, developed along the border of the pluton, with inward dips. A regular magmatic layering is present sometimes, parallel to the tectonic foliation. The syntectonic emplacement as regards to the Brasiliano (D3) event is indicated by the common occurrence of dykes and sheets along transtensional or extensional sites of the major structure. Field relations attest to the early emplacement of the alkaline granites as regards to the other suites. A basic-to-intermediate suite occurs as a western satellyte body and occupying the southern tail of the main alkaline pluton. It comprises a wide variety of compositional terms, including primitive gabbros and gabbro-norites, differentiated to monzonitic intermediate facies containing amphibole and biotite as their main mafic phases. These rocks display transitional high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic affinities. Porphyritic monzogranite suítes commonly occur as dykes and minor intrusives, isolated or associated with the basic-tointermediate rocks. In the latter case, magma mingling and mixing features attest that these are contemporaneous igneous suites. These granites show K-feldspar phenocrysts and a hornblende+biotite+titanite assemblage, displaying subalkaline/monzonitic geochemical affinities. Both suites exhibit SL magmatic fabrics overprinting or transitional to solid-state D3 deformation related to the JSI. Chemical data clearly show that they are related to different parental magmas. Finally, a microgranite suite occurs along a few topographic ridges paralell to the JSI. It comprises dominantly granodiorites with a mineralogy similar to the one of the porphyritic granitoids. However, discriminant diagrams show their distinct calc-alkaline affinity. The granodiorites display an essencially magmatic fabric, even though an incipient D3 solid-state structure may be developed along the JSI. Intrusion relationships with the previous suites, as well as regards to the D3 structures, point to their Iate emplacement. All these suites are intrusive in a Paleoproterozoic, high-grade gneiss-migmatite complex affected by two previous deformation phases (D1, D2). The fabrics associated with these earlier events are folded and overprinted by the younger D3 structures along the JSZ. The younger deformation is characterized by NE-dipping foliations and N/NE-plunging stretching lineations. In the JSZ northern termination the foliation acquires an ENE orientation, containing a stretching lineation plunging to the south. Symmetric kinematic cri teria developed at this site confirms the transpressional termination of the JSZ, as also shown by orthorrombic quartz c-axis patterns. E-W-trending d extra I shear zones developed in the central part of the JSZ are interpreted as antithetic structures associated to the transtensional deformation along the JSZ. This is consistent with its extensional-transcurrent kinematics and a flat-and-ramp geometry at depth, as shown by gravimetric data. The lateral displacement of the negative residual Bouguer anomalies, as regards to the main outcropping alkaline pluton, may be modelized by other deeper-seated granite bodies. Based on numerical modelling it was possible to infer two distinct intrusion styles for the alkaline pluton. The calculated model values are consistent with an emplacement by sheeting for the northern body, as already suggested by satellyte imagery and field mapping. On the other hand, the results point to a transition towards a diapir-related style associated to the smaller. southern stock. This difference in intrusion styles may relate to intensity variations and transtensional sites of the shear deformation along the JSZ. Trace element and Sr and Nd isotopes of the alkaline granites are compatible with their derivation trom a more basic crustal source, as compared to the presently outcropping highgrade gneisses, with participation (or alternatively dominated by) of an enriched lithospheric mantle component. Like other igneous suites in the Seridó Belt, the high LlL contents and fractionated REE patterns of the basic rocks also point to an enriched mantle as the source for this kind of magmatism. Geochemical and isotope data are compatible with a lower crustal origin for the porphyritic granites. On the basis of the strong control of the JSZ on the emplacement of lower crustal (porphyritic and alkaline granites) or lithospheric mantle (basic rocks, alkaline granites or a component of them) magmas, one may infer a deep root for this structure, bearing an important role in magma extraction, transport and emplacement in the Japi region, eastern domain of the Seridó Belt

Orientação de falhas presentes em testemunhos de sondagens do campo de Xaréu/bacia do Ceará

A research project is being developed by PPGG/UFRN and PETROBRAS in the Xaréu Oil Field located in Ceará Basin, Northeastern Brazil. The objective of the research is to characterize a fractured carbonate reservoir, the Trairi Limestone, in order to drill a borehole with two horizontal legs taking advantage of the natural fracture system to enhance the oil recovery. The present master thesis is part of this research and its contribution is to estimate fault orientation from unoriented cores, using the method proposed by Hesthammer & Henden (2000). In order to orient a fault cutting a bed observed in the core, the bed should be previously oriented. As additional constraint to orient the bed, we use regional bedding orientation obtained from structure maps of Trairi Limestone. Because the number of cores drilled from the Trairi Limestone was too small, we analyzed all cores from the field. As geologic constraint, we admit that all faults were formed as result of the South America and Africa separation, in the context of a regional dextral strike-slip fault formation. In this context, secondary faults are manly T and R faults according Riedel s classification. We analyzed 236.5 m of cores. The dip of bedding varies from 0o to 8o, being the most frequent value equal to 2o. We interpret this result as evidence that the deformation process was manly ruptil. 77 faults were identified in the cores. These faults strike manly to NW and NE with dips, in general, inside the interval 700 - 900. We suggest that the horizontal legs of the borehole should be oriented to NW and NE in order to improve the probability of intercepting open fractures and faults

Arquitetura, litofácies e evolução tectonoestratigráfica da bacia do rio do peixe, nordeste do Brasil

The Rio do Peixe Basin is located in the border of Paraíba and Ceará states, immediately to the north of the Patos shear zone, encompassing an area of 1,315 km2. This is one of the main basins of eocretaceous age in Northeast Brazil, associated to the rifting event that shaped the present continental margin. The basin can be divided into four sub-basins, corresponding to Pombal, Sousa, Brejo das Freiras and Icozinho half-grabens. This dissertation was based on the analysis and interpretation of remote sensing products, field stratigraphic and structural data, and seismic sections and gravity data. Field work detailed the lithofacies characterization of the three formations previously recognised in the basin, Antenor Navarro, Sousa and Rio Piranhas. Unlike the classical vertical stacking, field relations and seismostratigraphic analysis highlighted the interdigitation and lateral equivalency between these units. On bio/chrono-stratigraphic and tectonic grounds, they correlate with the Rift Tectonosequence of neocomian age. The Antenor Navarro Formation rests overlies the crystalline basement in non conformity. It comprises lithofacies originated by a braided fluvial system system, dominated by immature, coarse and conglomeratic sandstones, and polymict conglomerates at the base. Its exposures occur in the different halfgrabens, along its flexural margins. Paleocurrent data indicate source areas in the basement to the north/NW, or input along strike ramps. The Sousa Formation is composed by fine-grained sandstones, siltites and reddish, locally grey-greenish to reddish laminated shales presenting wavy marks, mudcracks and, sometimes, carbonate beds. This formation shows major influence of a fluvial, floodplain system, with seismostratigraphic evidence of lacustrine facies at subsurface. Its distribution occupies the central part of the Sousa and Brejo das Freiras half-grabens, which constitute the main depocenters of the basin. Paleocurrent analysis shows that sediment transport was also from north/NW to south/SE

Caracterização multi-escalar de bandas de deformação nas tectonossequências paleozóica, pré- e sin-rifte da Bacia do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil

Deformation bands are structures, developed in porous sandstones, that has small offsets and they are not shown on seismic section. The deformation bands of the pre and synrift sandstones of Araripe Basin were studied in outcrop, macroscopic and microscopic scales. The hierarchical, cinematic and spatial-geometric characteristics, and also the deformational mechanisms acting during its structural evolution were established too. In general, the mesoscopic scale observation allowed to discriminate deformation bands as singles or clusters in three main sets: NNE-SSW dextral; NE-SW normal (sometimes with strike-slip offset); and E-W sinistral; further a bed-parallel deformation bands as a local set. The microscopic characterization allowed to recognize the shearing and cataclastic character of such structures. Through the multi-scale study done in this work we verified that deformation bands analyzed were preferentially developed when sandstones under advanced stage of lithification. We also infer that the geometrical-spatial complexity of these bands, together with the presence of cataclastic matrix, can difficult the migration of fluids in reservoir rocks, resulting on their compartmentalization. Therefore, the study of deformation bands can aid researches about the structural evolution of sedimentary basin, as well as collaborate to understand the hydrodynamic behavior of reservoirs compartmented by these deformational structures

Caracterização de reservatórios siliciclásticos neoaptianos: um estudo do membro carmópolis no campo de Camorim, sub-bacia de Sergipe, Brasil

The Camorim Oilfield, discovered in 1970 in the shallow water domain of the Sergipe Sub-basin, produces hydrocarbons from the Carmópolis Member of the Muribeca Formation, the main reservoir interval, interpreted as siliciclastics deposited in an alluvial-fluvial-deltaic context during a late rifting phase of Neoaptian age, in the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin. The structural setting of the field defines different production blocks, being associated to the evolution of the Atalaia High during the rift stage and subsequent reactivations, encompassing NE-SW trending major normal faults and NWEW trending secondary faults. The complexity of this field is related to the strong facies variation due to the interaction between continental and coastal depositional environments, coupled with strata juxtaposition along fault blocks. This study aims to geologically characterize its reservoirs, to provide new insights to well drilling locations in order to increase the recovery factor of the field. Facies analysis based on drill cores and geophysical logs and the 3D interpretation of a seismic volume, provide a high resolution stratigraphic analysis approach to be applied in this geodynamic transitional context between the rift and drift evolutionary stages of the basin. The objective was to define spatial and time relations between production zones and the preferential directions of fluid flow, using isochore maps that represent the external geometry of the deposits and facies distribution maps to characterize the internal heterogeneities of these intervals, identified in a 4th order stratigraphic zoning. This work methodology, integrated in a 3D geological modelling process, will help to optimize well drilling and hydrocarbons production. This methodology may be applied in other reservoirs in tectonic and depositional contexts similar to the one observed at Camorim, for example, the oil fields in the Aracaju High, Sergipe Sub-basin, which together represent the largest volume of oil in place in onshore Brazilian basins

Diagnóstico Ambiental do Processo de Desertificação no município de Lajes/RN.

Ocupando uma área de 665,7km2 (equivalente a 1,25% da superfície estadual), o Município de Lajes até o início do século XX era um pequeno distrito do Município de Jardim de Angicos, localizada na Região Central do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Quando decretado município, em 1914, Lajes tornou-se o principal entreposto comercial do estado, uma vez que sua posição geográfica a colocava como rota principal entre os municípios produtores de mercadorias e a capital do estado, Natal, situada a 125km a Leste do município. Esta confortável posição de entreposto comercial cristalizou-se com a construção da estrada de ferro Sampaio Correia, em 1919, que agilizou o escoamento das mercadorias advindas do interior com Natal, principalmente o algodão, que até a década de 1980 era a principal fonte econômica do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Com a crise do algodão e a construção de estradas ligando diretamente os mercados produtores com a capital, Lajes perde a condição de principal entreposto comercial do estado, e sua economia entra em decadência. Vastas áreas de caatinga onde outrora se plantava algodão foram abandonadas, deixando os solos destas terras livres para a ação erosiva dos ventos e das torrenciais chuvas de outono. Situada numa porção do estado que sofre direto sombreamento das escarpas da Serra do Feiticeiro, o município de Lajes tem se configurado como um importante laboratório para o estudo da desertificação no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. A partir de uma análise Geossistêmica, procurou-se diagnosticar o atual quadro da desertificação nesta porção semi-árida do estado. Para tanto, utilizou-se os métodos quantitativos de análise, dentre eles os métodos desenvolvidos durante a elaboração do Pan Brasil, com a construção dos Balanços Hídricos e Índices de Aridez do município. Os dados referentes aos índices de aridez de Lajes apontam para um profundo processo de ressecamento do ar na região, corroborando inclusive com os dados referentes ao aquecimento global divulgados pelo IPCC (Intergovernamental Panel on Climate Change) no mês de fevereiro de 2007

Influência da estratigrafia mecânica no desenvolvimento de falhas distensionais em bacias do tipo Rifte: contribuição da modelagem física

In the last decades, analogue modelling has been used in geology to improve the knowledge of how geological structures are nucleated, how they grow and what are the main important points in such processes. The use of this tool in the oil industry, to help seismic interpretations and mainly to search for structural traps contributed to disseminate the use of this tool in the literature. Nowadays, physical modelling has a large field of applications, since landslide to granite emplacement along shear zones. In this work, we deal with physical modelling to study the influence of mechanical stratifications in the nucleation and development of faults and fractures in a context of orthogonal and conjugated oblique basins. To simulate a mechanical stratigraphy we used different materials, with distinct physical proprieties, such as gypsum powder, glass beads, dry clay and quartz sand. Some experiments were run along with a PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry), an instrument that shows the movement of the particles to each deformation moment. Two series of experiments were studied: i) Series MO: We tested the development of normal faults in a context of an orthogonal (to the extension direction) basin. Experiments were run taking into account the change of materials and strata thickness. Some experiments were done with sintectonic sedimentation. We registered differences in the nucleation and growth of faults in layers with different rheological behavior. The gypsum powder layer behaves in a more competent mode, which generates a great number of high angle fractures. These fractures evolve to faults that exhibit a higher dip than when they cross less competent layers, like the one of quartz sand. This competent layer exhibits faulted blocks arranged in a typical domino-style. Cataclastic breccias developed along the faults affecting the competent layers and showed different evolutional history, depending on the deforming stratigraphic sequence; ii) Series MOS2: Normal faults were analyzed in conjugated sub-basins (oblique to the extension direction) developed in a sequence with and without rheological contrast. In experiments with rheological contrast, two important grabens developed along the faulted margins differing from the subbasins with mechanical stratigraphy. Both experiments developed oblique fault systems and, in the area of sub-basins intersection, faults traces became very curved.

Expressão geofísica-estrutural do lineamento transbrasiliano na porção central da Bacia do Parnaíba (Maranhão-Piauí)

The objective of this study was to characterize the structural-geophysical expression of the Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL) in the east-central portion of the Parnaíba Basin. The TBL corresponds to a major Neoproterozoic NE-trending shear zone related to the Brasiliano orogenic cycle, with dextral strike-slip kinematics, underlying (but also laterally exposed in the NE and SW basin edges) the sedimentary section of the Parnaíba Basin. In this study, the interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomaly maps is consistent with the TBL kinematics, the signature of the geophysical anomalies corresponding to the high (plastic behaviour) and subsequent declining temperature (ductile to brittle behaviour) stages during Brasiliano and late Brasiliano times. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies is compatible with an S-C dextral pair shaping the geological bodies of an heterogeneous basement, such as slices of gneisses and granulites (positive anomalies), granitic and low-medium grade metasedimentary rocks (negative anomalies). Such anomalies curvilinear trends, ranging from NNE (interpreted as S surfaces) to NE (C surfaces), correspond to flattening surfaces (S), while the NE rectilinear trend must represent a C band. The narrower magnetic anomalies also display NNE to NE (S surfaces) trends and should correspond to similar (although narrower and more discontinuous) sources in the equivalent anomaly patterns. Pre-Silurian pull-apart style grabens may contribute to the NE negative gravimetric anomalies, although this interpretation demands control by seismic data analysis. On the other hand, the curvilinear anomalies associated to contractional trends are incompatible with their interpretation as pre-Silurian graben, in both maps. In the (reduced to the pole) magnetic anomalies map, most of these are again associated to low-temperature shear zones (C planes) and faults, juxtaposing distinct blocks in terms of magnetic properties, or eventually filled with basic bodies. It is also possible that some isolated magnetic anomalies correspond to igneous bodies of late-Brasiliano or Mesozoic age. The basement late discontinuities pattern can be interpreted in analogy to the Riedel fractures model, with steep dipping surfaces and a sub-horizontal movement section. This study also explored 2D gravity modeling controlled by the interpretation of a dip seismic line as regards to the Transbrasiliano Lineament. The rock section equivalent to the Jaibaras Group occupying a graben structure (as identified in the seismic line) corresponds to a discrete negative anomaly superimposed to a gravimetric high, once again indicating a stronger influence of older crystalline basement rocks as gravimetric sources, mainly reflecting the heterogeneities and anisotropies generated at high temperature conditions and their subsequent cooling along the TBL, during the Brasiliano cycle.

Expressão geofísica-estrutural do lineamento transbrasiliano na porção central da Bacia do Parnaíba (Maranhão-Piauí)

The objective of this study was to characterize the structural-geophysical expression of the Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL) in the east-central portion of the Parnaíba Basin. The TBL corresponds to a major Neoproterozoic NE-trending shear zone related to the Brasiliano orogenic cycle, with dextral strike-slip kinematics, underlying (but also laterally exposed in the NE and SW basin edges) the sedimentary section of the Parnaíba Basin. In this study, the interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomaly maps is consistent with the TBL kinematics, the signature of the geophysical anomalies corresponding to the high (plastic behaviour) and subsequent declining temperature (ductile to brittle behaviour) stages during Brasiliano and late Brasiliano times. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies is compatible with an S-C dextral pair shaping the geological bodies of an heterogeneous basement, such as slices of gneisses and granulites (positive anomalies), granitic and low-medium grade metasedimentary rocks (negative anomalies). Such anomalies curvilinear trends, ranging from NNE (interpreted as S surfaces) to NE (C surfaces), correspond to flattening surfaces (S), while the NE rectilinear trend must represent a C band. The narrower magnetic anomalies also display NNE to NE (S surfaces) trends and should correspond to similar (although narrower and more discontinuous) sources in the equivalent anomaly patterns. Pre-Silurian pull-apart style grabens may contribute to the NE negative gravimetric anomalies, although this interpretation demands control by seismic data analysis. On the other hand, the curvilinear anomalies associated to contractional trends are incompatible with their interpretation as pre-Silurian graben, in both maps. In the (reduced to the pole) magnetic anomalies map, most of these are again associated to low-temperature shear zones (C planes) and faults, juxtaposing distinct blocks in terms of magnetic properties, or eventually filled with basic bodies. It is also possible that some isolated magnetic anomalies correspond to igneous bodies of late-Brasiliano or Mesozoic age. The basement late discontinuities pattern can be interpreted in analogy to the Riedel fractures model, with steep dipping surfaces and a sub-horizontal movement section. This study also explored 2D gravity modeling controlled by the interpretation of a dip seismic line as regards to the Transbrasiliano Lineament. The rock section equivalent to the Jaibaras Group occupying a graben structure (as identified in the seismic line) corresponds to a discrete negative anomaly superimposed to a gravimetric high, once again indicating a stronger influence of older crystalline basement rocks as gravimetric sources, mainly reflecting the heterogeneities and anisotropies generated at high temperature conditions and their subsequent cooling along the TBL, during the Brasiliano cycle.

Petrologia do Plutão Bom Jardim de Goiás (PBJG): implicação na evolução neoproterozoica da Província Tocantins

The Bom Jardim de Goiás Pluton (PBJG) is a semi-circular body, located in the central portion of the Tocantins Province, intrusive into orthogneisses and metassupracrustals of the Arenópolis Magmatic Arc. These metasupracrustals present a low to moderate dipping banding or schistosity, have a low to moderate angle of banding / foliation, defined by mica, andalusite and sillimanite and cordierite, which characterize an amphibolite facies metamorphism. This structure is crosscut by the emplacement of the PBJG rocks. The abrupt nature of the contacts and the absence of ductile structures indicate that the intrusion took place in a relatively cold crust. Under petrographic grounds, the pluton consists mainly of monzodiorites, tonalite and granodiorite, following the low to medium-K calk-alkaline alkaline trend. Rocks of the PBJG have hornblende and biotite as the main mafic phases, besides subordinate clinopyroxene, titanite, epidote and opaque. Late dikes of leucogranite contain only mineral biotite as relevant accessory mineral. One U-Pb zircon dating of a monzodiorite yielded an age of 550 ± 12 Ma (MSWD = 1.06). Whole-rock and mineral chemistry suggest that the studied rocks are calc-alkaline, having evolved by fractional crystallization of Ca- and Fe-Mg minerals under high oxygen fugacity. Using the amphibole-plagioclase geothermometer and the Al-in amphibole geobarometer, we calculate temperatures and pressures of, respectively, 692-791 °C e 2.4-5.0 kbar for the intrusion of the PBJG, which is corroborated by previous metamorphic assemblages in the country rocks. The geological, geochemical and geochronological features of PBJG demonstrate their post-tectonic or post-collisional nature, with emplacement into an already uplifted and relatively cool crust at the end of brasiliano orogeny in this portion of the Tocantins Province.

Petrologia do Plutão Bom Jardim de Goiás (PBJG): implicação na evolução neoproterozoica da Província Tocantins

The Bom Jardim de Goiás Pluton (PBJG) is a semi-circular body, located in the central portion of the Tocantins Province, intrusive into orthogneisses and metassupracrustals of the Arenópolis Magmatic Arc. These metasupracrustals present a low to moderate dipping banding or schistosity, have a low to moderate angle of banding / foliation, defined by mica, andalusite and sillimanite and cordierite, which characterize an amphibolite facies metamorphism. This structure is crosscut by the emplacement of the PBJG rocks. The abrupt nature of the contacts and the absence of ductile structures indicate that the intrusion took place in a relatively cold crust. Under petrographic grounds, the pluton consists mainly of monzodiorites, tonalite and granodiorite, following the low to medium-K calk-alkaline alkaline trend. Rocks of the PBJG have hornblende and biotite as the main mafic phases, besides subordinate clinopyroxene, titanite, epidote and opaque. Late dikes of leucogranite contain only mineral biotite as relevant accessory mineral. One U-Pb zircon dating of a monzodiorite yielded an age of 550 ± 12 Ma (MSWD = 1.06). Whole-rock and mineral chemistry suggest that the studied rocks are calc-alkaline, having evolved by fractional crystallization of Ca- and Fe-Mg minerals under high oxygen fugacity. Using the amphibole-plagioclase geothermometer and the Al-in amphibole geobarometer, we calculate temperatures and pressures of, respectively, 692-791 °C e 2.4-5.0 kbar for the intrusion of the PBJG, which is corroborated by previous metamorphic assemblages in the country rocks. The geological, geochemical and geochronological features of PBJG demonstrate their post-tectonic or post-collisional nature, with emplacement into an already uplifted and relatively cool crust at the end of brasiliano orogeny in this portion of the Tocantins Province.