Morfologia e sedimentologia da plataforma continental brasileira adjacente a São Bento do Norte e Caiçara do Norte-RN/NE-Brasil

This dissertation the results of a research developed in the area of São Bento do Norte and Caiçara do Norte, northern coast of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, during the period of June of 2000 to August of 2001, in the ambit of the projects MAMBMARÉ (CNPq/CTPETRO) and PROBRAL (CAPES/DAAD). The objective principal of this research was the characterization of the sedimentary dynamics of this coast, with base in data of coastal process (winds, currents, waves and tides), with topographical risings (beach profiles and dunes), satellite images and sedimentary analyses. The more specific objectives were accomplished the coastal monitoring of this coast, to verify the maintenance of an erosive tendency or progradacional after the groynes construction for contention of the erosion in the beach of Caiçara do Norte, as well as to verify the influence of the features of bottom of the platform interns adjacent on the pole petroliferous of Guamaré. The executed monitoramento allowed to identify that the movement of the sediments, along the year, in that area, is cyclical, reaching the largest oscillations during the months of winter (deposition) and they will summer (erosion). The sedimentologic studies indicated a general tendency for sands quartzosas, with gravel presence, moderately to good selected, with asymmetry predominantly negative. In agreement with the parameter of Dean (1957), used in the identification of the state morfodinâmico of the beaches, monitored beaches, are basically reflectivas with tendency to middlemen, what frames that space of the coast norte-riograndense, as a space strongly vulnerable to erosive processes. The studies developed in the platform, it interns of this area, allowed to visualize for the first time, in large scale, the distribution of the features of the submarine bottom to the batométrico coat of 25 meters. Being pointed out the presence of a high one topographical submerged, with about 5 meters of height, 1 km of width and more than 24 meters of extension, located in the platform it interns in front of São Bento do Norte; coincident with the trend of the system of flaws of Carnaubais. This feature relay an important paper on the control of the sedimentary processes and oceanographic, as well as in the coastal evolution of this area of the RN state, and they affect the area of the pole petroliferous of Guamaré directly. These results contribute to a better knowledge of the processes in the area, and consequently as subsidies implantation of measures of coastal and environmental protection for the cities of São Bento do Norte and Caiçara do Norte, as well as to understand how the geological-sedimentary processes and oceanographic, in this area, are influencing the characteristics geoambientais of the pole petroliferous of Guamaré

Litoestratigrafia e deformação cenzóica na região de Icapuí, Ceará, e implicações para a estruturação de campos de petróleo na borda ocidental da bacia Potiguar(NE do Brasil)

This thesis deals with the sedimentological/stratigraphic and structural evolution of the sedimentary rocks that occur in the NW continental border of the Potiguar Basin. These rocks are well exposed along coastal cliffs between the localities of Lagoa do Mato and Icapuí, Ceará State (NE Brazil). The sedimentological/stratigraphic study involved, at the outcrop scale, detailed facies descriptions, profile mapping of the vertical succession of different beds, and columnar sections displaying inferred lateral relationships. The approach was complemented by granulometric and petrographic analyses, including the characterization of heavy mineral assemblages. The data set allowed to recognize two kinds of lithological units, a carbonate one of very restricted occurrence at the base of the cliffs, and three younger, distinct siliciclastic units, that predominate along the cliffs, in vertical and lateral extent. The carbonate rocks were correlated to the late Cretaceous Jandaíra Formation, which is covered by the siliciclastic Barreiras Formation. The Barreiras Formation occurs in two distinct structural settings, the usual one with nondeformed, subhorizontal strata, or as tilted beds, affected by strong deformation. Two lithofacies were recognized, vertically arranged or in fault contacts. The lower facies is characterized by silty-argillaceous sandstones with low-angle cross bedding; the upper facies comprises medium to coarse grained sandstones, with conglomeratic layers. The Tibau Formation (medium to coarse-grained sandstones with argillite intercalations) occurs at the NW side of the studied area, laterally interlayered with the Barreiras Formation. Eolic sediments correlated to the Potengi Formation overly the former units, either displaying an angular unconformity, or simply an erosional contact (stratigraphic unconformity). Outstanding structural features, identified in the Barreiras Formation, led to characterize a neocenozoic stress field, which generated faults and folds and/or reactivated older structures in the subjacent late cretaceous (to paleogene, in the offshore basin) section. The structures recognized in the Barreiras Formation comprise two distinct assemblages, namely a main extensional deformation between the localities of Ponta Grossa and Redonda, and a contractional style (succeeded by oblique extensional structures) at Vila Nova. In the first case, the structural assemblage is dominated by N-S (N±20°Az) steep to gently-dipping extensional faults, displaying a domino-style or listric geometry with associated roll-over structures. This deformation pattern is explained by an E-W/WNW extension, contemporaneous with deposition of the upper facies of the Barreiras Formation, during the time interval Miocene to Pleistocene. Strong rotation of blocks and faults generated low-angle distensional faults and, locally, subvertical bedding, allowing to estimate very high strain states, with extension estimates varying between 40% up to 200%. Numerous detachment zones, parallel to bedding, help to acommodate this intense deformation. The detachment surfaces and a large number of faults display mesoscopic features analoguous to the ones of ductile shear zones, with development of S-C fabrics, shear bands, sigmoidal clasts and others, pointing to a hydroplastic deformation regime in these cases. Local occurrences of the Jandaíra limestone are controled by extensional faults that exhume the pre-Barreiras section, including an earlier event with N-S extension. Finally, WNWtrending extensional shear zones and faults are compatible with the Holocene stress field along the present continental margin. In the Vila Nova region, close to Icapuí, gentle normal folds with fold hinges shallowly pluging to SSW affect the lower facies of the Barreiras Formation, displaying an incipient dissolution cleavage associated with an extension lineation at high rake (a S>L fabric). Deposition of the upper facies siliciclastics is controlled by pull-apart graben structures, bordered by N-NE-trending sinistral-normal shear zones and faults, characterizing an structural inversion. Microstructures are compatible with tectonic deformation of the sedimentary pile, burried at shallow depths. The observed features point to high pore fluid pressures during deformation of the sediments, producing hydroplastic structures through mechanisms of granular flow. Such structures are overprinted by microfractures and microfaults (an essentially brittle regime), tracking the change to microfracturing and frictional shear mechanisms accompanying progressive dewatering and sediment lithification. Correlation of the structures observed at the surface with those present at depth was tested through geophysical data (Ground Penetrating Radar, seismics and a magnetic map). EW and NE-trending lineaments are observed in the magnetic map. The seismic sections display several examples of positive flower structures which affect the base of the cretaceous sediments; at higher stratigraphic levels, normal components/slips are compatible with the negative structural inversion characterized at the surface. Such correlations assisted in proposing a structural model compatible with the regional tectonic framework. The strong neogenepleistocene deformation is necessarily propagated in the subsurface, affecting the late cretaceous section (Açu and Jandaíra formations), wich host the hydrocarbon reservoirs in this portion of the Potiguar Basin. The proposed structural model is related to the dextral transcurrent/transform deformation along the Equatorial Margin, associated with transpressive terminations of E-W fault zones, or at their intersections with NE-trending lineaments, such as the Ponta Grossa-Fazenda Belém one (the LPGFB, itself controlled by a Brasiliano-age strike-slip shear zone). In a first step (and possibly during the late Cretaceous to Paleogene), this lineament was activated under a sinistral transpressional regime (antithetic to the main dextral deformation in the E-W zones), giving way to the folds in the lower facies of the Barreiras Formation, as well as the positive flower structures mapped through the seismic sections, at depth. This stage was succeeded (or was penecontemporaneous) by the extensional structures related to a (also sinistral) transtensional movement stage, associated to volcanism (Macau, Messejana) and thermal doming processes during the Neogene-Pleistocene time interval. This structural model has direct implications to hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities at this sector of the Potiguar Basin and its offshore continuation. The structure of the reservoirs at depth (Açu Formation sandstones of the post-rift section) may be controlled (or at least, strongly influenced) by the deformation geometry and kinematics characterized at the surface. In addition, the deformation event recognized in the Barreiras Formation has an age close to the one postulated for the oil maturation and migration in the basin, between the Oligocene to the Miocene. In this way, the described structural cenario represents a valid model to understand the conditions of hydrocarbon transport and acummulation through space openings, trap formation and destruction. This model is potentially applicable to the NW region of the Potiguar Basin and other sectors with a similar structural setting, along the brazilian Equatorial Atlantic Margin

Geologia, Geocronologia, Geoquímica e Petrogênese das Rochas Ígneas Cretácicas da Província Magmática do Cabo e suas Relações com as Unidades Sedimentares da Bacia de Pernambuco (NE do Brasil)

The area studied forms a thin NNE-directed belt situated south of Recife town (Pernambuco state), northeastern Brazil. Geologically, it comprises the Pernambuco Basin (PB), which is limited by the Pernambuco Lineament to the north, the Maragogi high to the south and the Pernambuco Alagoas massif to the west, all of them with Precambrian age. This thesis reports the results obtained for the Cabo Magmatic Province (CMP), aiming the characterization of the geology, stratigraphy, geochronology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Cretaceous igneous rocks presented in the PB. The PB is composed of the Cabo Formation (rift phase) at the base (polymictic conglomerates, sandstones, shales), an intermediate unit, the Estiva Formation (marbles and argillites), and, at the top, the Algodoais Formation (monomictic conglomerates, sandstones, shales). The CMP is represented by trachytes, rhyolites, pyroclastics (ignimbrites), basalts / trachy-andesites, monzonites and alkali-feldspar granite, which occur as dykes, flows, sills, laccoliths and plugs. Field observations and well descriptions show that the majority of the magmatic rocks have intrusive contacts with the Cabo Formation, although some occurrences are also suggestive of synchronism between volcanism and siliciclastic sedimentation. 40Ar/39Ar and zircon fission tracks for the magmatic rocks indicate an average age of 102 r 1 Ma for the CMP. This age represents an expressive event in the province and is detected in all igneous dated materials. It is considered as a minimum age (Albian) for the magmatic episode and the peak of the rift phase in the PB. The 40Ar/39Ar dates are about 10-14 Ma younger than published palynologic ages for this basin. Geochemically, the CMP may be divided in two major groups; i) a transitional to alkaline suite, constituted by basalts to trachy-andesites (types with fine-grained textures and phenocrysts of sanidine and plagioclase), trachytes (porphyrytic texture, with phenocrysts of sanidine and plagioclase) and monzonites; ii) a alkaline suite, highly fractionated, acidic volcano-plutonic association, formed by four subtypes (pyroclastic flows ignimbrites, fine-to medium-grained rhyolites, a high level granite, and later rhyolites). These four types are distinguished essentially by field aspects and petrographic and textural features. Compatible versus incompatible trace element concentrations and geochemical modeling based on both major and trace elements suggest the evolution through low pressure fractional crystallization for trachytes and other acidic rocks, whereas basalts / trachy-andesites and monzonites evolved by partial melting from a mantle source. Sr and Nd isotopes reveal two distinct sources for the rocks of the CMP. Concerning the acidic ones, the high initial Sr ratios (ISr = 0.7064-1.2295) and the negative HNd (-0.43 to -3.67) indicate a crustal source with mesoproterozoic model ages (TDM from 0.92 to 1.04 Ga). On the other hand, the basic to intermediate rocks have low ISr (0.7031-0.7042) and positive HNd (+1.28 to +1.98), which requires the depleted mantle as the most probable source; their model ages are in the range 0.61-0.66 Ga. However, the light rare earth enrichment of these rocks and partial melting modeling point to an incompatible-enriched lherzolitic mantle with very low quantity of garnet (1-3%). This apparent difference between geochemical and Nd isotopes may be resolved by assuming that the metasomatizing agent did not obliterate the original isotopic characteristics of the magmas. A 2 to 5% partial melting of this mantle at approximately 14 kbar and 1269oC account very well the basalts and trachy-andesites studied. By using these pressure and temperatures estimates for the generation of the basaltic to trachy-andesitic magma, it is determined a lithospheric stretching (E) of 2.5. This E value is an appropriated estimate for the sub-crustal stretching (astenospheric or the base of the lithosphere?) region under the Pernambuco Basin, the crustal stretching probably being lower. The integration of all data obtained in this thesis permits to interpret the magmatic evolution of the PB as follows; 1st) the partial melting of a garnet-bearing lherzolite generates incompatible-enriched basaltic, trachy-andesitic and monzonitic magmas; 2nd) the underplating of these basaltic magmas at the base of the continental crust triggers the partial melting of this crust, and thus originating the acidic magmas; 3rd) concomitantly with the previous stage, trachytic magmas were produced by fractionation from a monzonitic to trachy-andesitic liquid; 4th) the emplacement of the several magmas in superficial (e.g. flows) or sub-superficial (e.g. dykes, sills, domes, laccoliths) depths was almost synchronically, at about 102 r 1 Ma, and usually crosscutting the sedimentary rocks of the Cabo Formation. The presence of garnet in the lherzolitic mantle does not agree with pressures of about 14 kbar for the generation of the basaltic magma, as calculated based on chemical parameters. This can be resolved by admitting the astenospheric uplifting under the rift, which would place deep and hot material (mantle plume?) at sub-crustal depths. The generation of the magmas and their subsequent emplacement would be coupled with the crustal rifting of the PB, the border (NNE-SSW directed) and transfer (NW-SE directed) faults serving as conduits for the magma emplacement. Based on the E parameter and the integration of 40Ar/39Ar and palynologic data it is interpreted a maximum duration of 10-14 Ma for the rift phase (Cabo Formation clastic sedimentation and basic to acidic magmatism) of the PB

Estimativa de espessura crustal na Província Borborema (NE/Brasil) através de função do recpetor

Crustal thickness and VP/VS estimates are essential to the studies of subsurface geological structures and also to the understanding of the regional tectonic evolution of a given area. In this dissertation, we use the Langston´s (1979) Receiver Function Method using teleseismic events reaching the seismographic station with angles close to the vertical. In this method, the information of the geologic structures close to the station is isolated so that effects related to the instrument response and source mechanics are not present. The resulting time series obtained after the deconvolution between horizontal components contains the larger amplitude referring to the P arrival, followed by smaller arrival caused by the reverberation and conversion of the P-wave at the base of the crust. We also used the HK-Stacking after Zhu & Kanamori (2000) to obtain crustal thickness and Vp/VS estimates. This method works stacking receiver functions so that the best estimates of crustal thickness and Vp/VS are found when the direct P, the Ps wave and the first multiple are coherently stacked. We used five broadband seismographic stations distributed over the Borborema Province, NE Brazil. Crustal thickness and Vp/VS estimates are consistent with the crust-mantle interface obtained using gravity data. We also identified crutal thickening in the NW portion of the province, close to Sobral/CE. Towards the center-north portion of the province, there is an evident crustal thinning which coincides with a geological feature consisting of an alignment of sedimentary basins known as the Cariris-Potiguar trend. Towards the NE portion of the province, in Solânea/PB and Agrestina/PE regions, occurs a crustal thickening and a systematic increase in the VP/VS values which suggest the presence of mafic rocks in the lower crust also consistent with the hypothesis of underplating in the region

Estratigrafia de sequências do intervalo aptiano ao albino na Bacia do Araripe, NE do Brasil

This study has as a main objective to make a detailed stratigraphic analysis of the Aptian-Albian interval in the east part of Araripe Basin, NE of Brazil which correspond, litostratigraphically, to Rio Da Batateira, Crato, Ipubi and Romualdo formations. The stratigraphic analysis was based on three different stages, the 1D, 2D and 3D analysis; these ones were adapted to the sequence stratigraphy concepts in order to create a chronostratigraphic framework for the study area within the basin. The database used in the present study contains field and well information, wells that belong to Santana Project, carried out by the Ministério de Minas e Energia- DNPM- CPRM from 1977 to 1978. The analysis 1D, which was done separately for each well and outcrop allowed the recognition of 13 sedimentary facies, mainly divided based on predominant litologies and sedimentary structures. Such facies are lithologically represented by pebble, sandstones, claystones, margas and evaporates; these facies are associated in order to characterize different depositional systems, that integrate from the continental environment (fluvial system and lacustre), paralic system (delta system and lagunar) to the marine environment (shelfenvironment). The first one, the fluvial system was divided into two subtypes: meandering fluvial system, characterized by fill channel and floodplain deposits; the facies of this system are associated vertically according to the textural thinning upward cycles (dirting-up trend pattern in well logs). Lacustrine environment is mainly related with the lithotypes of the Crato Formation, it shows a good distribution within the basin, been composed by green claystone deposits and calcareous laminated. Deltaic System represented by prodelta and delta front deposits which coarsening upward tendency. Lagunar system is characterised by the presence of anhydrite and gypsum deposits besides the black claystone deposits with vegetal fragments which do not contain a fauna typically marine. The marine platform system is composed by successions of black and gray claystone with fossiliferous fauna of Dinoflagellates (Spiniferites Mantell, Subtilisphaera Jain e Subtilisphaera Millipied genre) typical of this kind of depositional system. The sedimentary facies described are vertically arranged in cycles with progradational patterns which form textural coersening upward cycles and retrogradational, represented by textural thinning dowward cycles. Based in these cycles, in their stack pattern and the vertical change between these patterns, the systems tracks and the depositional sequences were recognized. The Low System Track (LST) and High System Track (HST) are composed by cycles with progradational stack pattern, whereas the Trangessive System Track (TST) is composed by retrogradational stack pattern cycles. The 2D stratigraphic analysis was done through the carrying out of two stratigraphic sections. For the selection of the datum the deepest maximum flooding surface was chosen, inside the Sequence 1, the execution of these sections allowed to understand the behaviour of six depositional systems along the study area, which were interpreted as cycles of second order or supercycles (cycles between 3 and 10 Ma), according to the Vail, et al (1977) classification. The Sequence 1, the oldest of the six identified is composed by the low, transgressive and high systems tracks. The first two system tracks are formed exclusively by fluvial deposits of the Rio da Batateira Formation whereas the third one includes deltaic and lacustrine deposits of the Crato Formation. The sequences 2 and 3 are formed by the transgressive systems tracks (lake spreading phase) and the highstand system track (lake backward phase). The TST of these sequences are formed by lacustrine deposits whereas HST contains deltaic deposits, indicating high rates of sedimentary supply at the time of it s deposition. The sequence 4 is composed by LST, TST and HST, The TST4 shows a significant fall of the lake base level, this track was developed in conditions of low relation between the creation rate of space of accommodation and the sedimentary influx. The TST4 marks the third phase of expansion of the lacustrine system in the section after the basin´s rift, the lacustrine system established in the previous track starts a backward phase in conditions that the sedimentary supply rate exceeds the creation rate of space accommodation. The sequence 5 was developed in two different phases, the first one is related with the latest expansion stage of the lake, (TST5), the basal track of this sequence. In this phase the base level of the lake rose considerably. The second phase (related to the TST5) indicates the end of the lacustrine domain in the Araripe Basin and the change to lagunar system ant tidal flat, with great portions in the supratidal. These systems were formed by restricted lagoons, with shallow level of water and with intermittent connections with the sea. This, was the phase when the Araripe Basin recorded the most several arid conditions of the whole interval studied, Aptian Albian, conditions that allow the formation of evaporitic deposits. The sequence 6 began its deposition after a significant fall of the sea (LST6). The sequence 6 is without any doubtlessly, the sequence that has deposits that prove the effective entrance of the sea into the Araripe Basin. The TST6, end of this sequence, represents the moment which the sea reaches its maximum level during the Aptian Albian time. The stratigraphic analysis of the Aptian Albian interval made possible the understanding that the main control in the development of the depositional sequences recognized in the Araripe Basin were the variations of the local base level, which are controlled itself by the climate changes

Análise de terrenos na porção setentrional da Província Borborema, NE do Brasil: integração de dados geológicos e gravimétricos

It is presently assumed that the Borborema Province resulted from a complex collisional process associated with the convergent movement of plates, possibly involving amalgamation and accretion of microplates. This process was consolidated at the end of the Brasiliano event. It is investigated the possible limits for the tectonostratigraphic terranes in the northern portion of the province based on an integrated study of geological and gravity data. The study area comprises the portion of the Borborema Province located north of the Patos Lineament, limited by longitudes 33º00 W and 43º29 44"W and latitudes 1º36 S and 8º00 S. A revision of the regional geology allowed to identify areas presenting contrasting geological attributes, possibly representing different terranes whose limits are always shear zones of Brasiliano-age. The Sobral-Pedro II shear zone is the only one undoubtedly presenting geological attributes of sutures zones. The other shear zones are very likely associated with a geodinymic context of accretion, involving oblique collisions (docking), transcurrent and/or transforming sutures, and deep intracrustal shear zones. The gravity data contributed as a tool to identify strong lateral contrasts of density inside the upper crust possibly associated with crustal blocks tectonically juxtaposed. The dominant long wavelength anomaly in the Bouguer anomaly map is an expressive gradient, grossly parallel to the continental margin, caused by density variation across the crust-mantle interface in the transition from the continental crust to the oceanic crust originated by the separation between South America and Africa. Medium to small wavelength anomalies are due to intracrustal heterogeneities such as different Precambrian crustal blocks, Brasiliano-age granites and Mesozoic sedimentary basins. A regional-residual separation of the Bouguer anomaly map was performed in order to enhance in the residual map the effect due to intracrustal heterogeneities. The methodology used for this separation was a robust polinomial fitting. The inversion of residual gravity field resulted in a density contrast map (Δρ), in an equivalent layer that provided more accurated anomalies contours and consolidated the model which the sources of residual anomalies are located in the upper part of the present crust. Based on the coincidence of gravity lineaments in the residual map and Brasiliano shear zones, and using additional geological information, the following shear zones are proposed as limits between terranes: Patos shear zone, Sobral-Pedro II shear zone, Picuí-João Câmara shear zone, Remígio-Pocinhos shear zone, Senador Pompeu shear zone, Tauá shear zone, and Portalegre shear zone. Based on the geological/geophysical information it is attributed a higher level of confidence to the first three proposed limits(Patos, Sobral Pedro II, and Picuí-João Câmara shear zones). From west to east, these shear zones individualize the following terranes: Northwest of Ceará terrane, Central Ceará terrane, Tauá terrane, Orós-Jaguaribe terrane, Seridó terrane, and São José de Campestre terrane. In our study, the Rio Piranhas and Patos terranes are questioned because their previously proposed limits do not present good geological and gravimetric evidences. On the other hand, the previously proposed Cearense terrane is now subdivided into Central Ceará and Tauá terranes. Two residual gravity profiles located in the Seridó belt were interpreted using 2 ½ D direct gravity modeling. The main result of the modeling process is that all anomalies, with the exception of one, can be explained by outcroppring bodies, therefore restricted to the upper part of the present crust

Arquitetura deposicional e evolução tectono-estratigráfica das sequências pré-rifte e rifte, na porção central do Vale do Cariri, Bacia do Araripe, NE do Brasil

A complex depositional history, related to Atlantic rifting, demonstrates the geological evolution during the late Jurassic and early Neocomian periods in the Araripe Basin NE Brazil. Based on outcrop, seismic and remote sensing data, a new model of the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the section that covers the stages Dom João, Rio da Serra and Aratu (Brejo Santo, Missão Velha and Abaiara formations) is presented in this paper. In the stratigraphic section studied, ten sedimentary facies genetically linked to nine architectural elements were described, representing depositional systems associated with fluvial, aeolian and deltaic environments. Based on the relationship between the rates of creation of accommodation space and sediment influx (A / S) it was possible to associate these depositional systems with High and Low accommodation system tracks. These system tracks represent two tectono-sequences, separated by regional unconformities. The Tectono-sequence I, which includes lithotypes from the Brejo Santo Formation and is related to the pre-rift stage, is bounded at the base by the Paleozoic unconformity. This unit represents only a High Accommodation System Track, composed by a succession of pelitic levels interbedded with sandstones and limestones, from a large fluvial floodplain origin, developed under arid climatic conditions. The Tectono-sequence II, separated from the underlying unit by an erosional unconformity, is related to the rift stage, and is composed by the Missão Velha and Abaiara Formation lithotypes. Changes in depositional style that reflect variations in the A / S ratio, and the presence of hydroplastic deformation bands, make it possible to divide this tectonosequence into two internal sequences. Sequence IIA, which includes the lower portion of the Missão Velha Formation and sequence IIB, is composed by the upper section of the Missão Velha and Abaiara Formations The Sequence IIA below, composed only by the Low Accommodation System Track, includes crossbedding sandstones interbedded with massive mudstones, which are interpreted as deposits of sandy gravel beds wandering rivers. Sequence IIB, above, is more complex, showing a basal Low Accommodation System Track and a High Accommodation System Track at the top, separated by an expansion surface. The lower System Track, related to the upper portion of the Missão Velha Formation, is composed by a series of amalgamated channels, separated by erosion surfaces, interpreted as deposits of a belt of braided channels. The High Accommodation System Track, correlated with the Abaiara Unit, is marked by a significant increase in the A / S, resulting in the progradation of a system of braided river deltas with aeolic influence. Regarding tectonic evolution, the stratigraphic study indicates that the Tectonosequence Rift in the Araripe basin was developed in two phases: first characterized by a beginning of rifting, related to Sequence IIA, followed by a phase of syndepositional deformation, represented by sequence IIB. The first phase was not influenced by the development of large faults, but was influenced by a sharp and continuous decrease of accommodation space that permitted a change in depositional patterns, establishing a new depositional architecture. In turn, the stage of syndepositional deformation allowed for the generation of enough accommodation space for the preservation of fluvial-lacustrine deposits and conditioned the progradation of a braided river-dominated delta system.

Iinterpretação conjunta de dados de GPR e medidas de permeabilidade sobre um análogo de reservatório siliciclástico falhado na bacia de Tucano, no NE do Brasil

It is presented an integrated geophysical investigation of the spatial distribution of faults and deformation bands (DB´s) in a faulted siliciclastic reservoir analogue, located in Tucano Basin, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and permeability measurements allowed the analysis of the influence of DB´s in the rock permeability and porosity. GPR data were processed using a suitable flow parametrization in order to highlight discontinuities in sedimentary layers. The obtained images allowed the subsurface detection of DB´s presenting displacements greater that 10 cm. A good correlation was verified between DB´s detected by GPR and those observed in surface, the latter identified using conventional structural methods. After some adaptations in the minipermeameter in order to increase measurement precision, two approaches to measure permeabilities were tested: in situ and in collected cores. The former approach provided better results than the latter and consisted of scratching the outcrop surface, followed by direct measurements on outcrop rocks. The measured permeability profiles allowed to characterize the spatial transition from DB´s to undeformed rock; variation of up to three orders of magnitude were detected. The permeability profiles also presented quasi-periodic patterns, associated with textural and granulometric changes, possibly associated to depositional cycles. Integrated interpretation of the geological, geophysical and core data, provided the subsurface identification of an increase in the DB´s number associated with a sedimentary layer presenting granulometric decrease at depths greater than 8 m. An associated sharp decrease in permeability was also measured in cores from boreholes. The obtained results reveal that radagrams, besides providing high resolution images, allowing the detection of small structures (> 10 cm), also presented a correlation with the permeability data. In this way, GPR data may be used to build upscaling laws, bridging the gap between outcrop and seismic data sets, which may result in better models for faulted reservoirs

Isótopos de Nd na proveniência de rochas e sedimentos da bacia potiguar, ne do Brasil

Nd ISOTOPES IN THE PROVENANCE OF TERRIGENOUS AND CARBONATE ROCKS AND SEDIMENTS OF THE POTIGUAR BASIN, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL. Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks from the Potiguar Basin, including terrigenous and carbonate sediments have been investigated to identify their isotopic signature and source areas. Additionally, this study aims to determine the provenance of terrigenous and carbonate sediments on the Brazilian Continental shelf adjacent to Potiguar Basin. The Sm-Nd isotopic signatures of the rocks yielded model ages (TDM) in the range of 2,19- 2,88 Ga, indicating archean to paleoproterozoic sources from the basement. The terrigenous sediments yielded model ages (TDM) in the range of 2,31-2,26 Ga, from 17,5 to 0 cm depth. Despite the small number of samples, limited variations of provenance ages indicates the homogenization of the sediments, probably due to the strong influence of the basement, as the main source of sediments to the shelf. The Sm-Nd isotopic signatures of the carbonate sediments yielded model ages (TDM) in the range of 2,09-2,61 Ga, indicating archean to paleoproterozoic sources from the basement. The results also indicate that the shelf sediments are mainly derived from the Açu River or other small rivers from the Setentrional Sector of Rio Grande do Norte State. The littoral drift doesn´t seem to contribute with sediments from the Oriental Sector since isotopic signatures from this sector were not detected.

Diagênese e proveniência dos arenitos da tectonossequência Rifte na bacias do Rio do Peixe Araripe, NE do Brasil

This thesis presents diagenetic and provenance studies of sandstones belonging to the Rift Tectonosequence of the Rio do Peixe and Araripe basins. These basins are located in the interior of Northeast Brazil aligned along the Trend-Cariri Potiguar. Their origin is related to the Early Cretaceous rifting event. In terms of lithostratigraphy, the studied section corresponds to the Antenor Navarro, Sousa and Rio Piranhas formations of the Rio do Peixe Basin, and the Missão Velha and Abaiara formations of the Araripe Basin, outcropping in the central-west Cariri Valley. A facies analysis was performed and identified nine distinct sedimentary facies for the Rio de Peixe Basin and ten sedimentary facies for the Araripe Basin, individualized according to the different rock types and their sedimentary structures. These facies associations to led paleoenvironments interpretations and their vertical succession allowed understanding the evolution of the depositional setting during the cronostratigraphic interval studied in these basins. Based on petrographic and diagenetic studies it was possible to characterize the texture and mineralogy of these sandstones, identifying their diagenetic stage and the grain framework provenance. The petrographic study allowed to classify the lithotypes studied in both basins as quartzarenites. Such quartzarenites, in general, are rich in quartz, feldspar and lithic fragment grains, and at accessory levels tourmaline, sphene, zircon, epidote and other mineralogy. The diagenetic history of the studied rocks proved to be very complex, being characterized by a variety mineral of phases that succeeded each other during the eo, meso and telodiagenetic stages. According to the studied formation and the textural and compositional aspects of the rocks, some processes were more or less active, while others were even absent. The eodiagenetic stage is marked by mechanical infiltration of clays and early mechanical compactional processes. The mesodiagenetic phase is characterized by continuity of the mechanical compaction and the beggining of chemical compaction, with quartz and feldspar overgrowths, precipitation of kaolinite, alteration of framework grains to chlorite and illite, and finally, precipitation of opaque minerals. The telodiagenetic stage is represented by the oxidation of some grains, matrix and cements. For the provenance analysis of the studied sandstones were used ternary diagrams whose vertices correspond to the percentage of quartz, feldspar and lithic fragments. This study allowed identifies the source area of these rocks as continental blocks. It was also possible, based on the chemical stability and mineralogical maturity of the rocks, recognize that the Antenor Navarro Formation of the Rio do Peixe Basin, and the upper section of the Missão Velha Formation of Araripe Basin have less maturity and stability when compared with the other studied formations

Petrologia do plúton Serra da Macambira, neoproterozóico da faixa seridó, província Borborema (NE do Brasil)

The final stage of Brasiliano/Pan-African orogeny in the Borborema Province is marked by widespread plutonic magmatism. The Serra da Macambira Pluton is an example of such plutonism in Seridó Belt, northeastern Borborema Province, and it is here subject of geological, petrographic, textural, geochemical and petrogenetic studies. The pluton is located in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, intrusive into Paleoproterozoic orthogneisses of the Caicó Complex and Neoproterozoic metassupracrustal rocks of the Seridó Group. Based upon intrusion/inclusion field relationships, mineralogy and texture, the rocks are classified as follows: intermediate enclaves (quartz-bearing monzonite and biotite-bearing tonalite), porphyritic monzogranite, equigranular syenogranite to monzogranite, and late granite and pegmatite dykes. Porphyritic granites and quartz-bearing monzonites represent mingling formed by the injection of an intermediate magma into a granitic one, which had already started crystallization. Both rocks are slightly older than the equigranular granites. Quartz-bearing monzonite has K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende and few quartz, meanwhile biotite-bearing tonalite are rich in quartz, poor in K-feldspar and hornblende is absent. Porphyritic and equigranular granites display mainly biotite and rare hornblende, myrmekite and pertitic textures, and zoned plagioclase pointing out to the relevance of fractional crystallization during magma evolution. Such granites have Rare Earth Elements (REE) pattern with negative Eu anomaly and light REE enrichment when compared to heavy REE. They are slight metaluminous to slight peraluminous, following a high-K calc-alkaline path. Petrogenesis started with 27,5% partial melting of Paleoproterozoic continental crust, generating an acid hydrous liquid, leaving a granulitic residue with orthopyroxene, plagioclase (An40-50), K-feldspar, quartz, epidote, magnetite, ilmenite, apatite and zircon. The liquid evolved mainly by fractional crystallization (10-25%) of plagioclase (An20), biotite and hornblende during the first stages of magmatic evolution. Granitic dykes are hololeucocratic with granophyric texture, indicating hypabissal crystallization and REE patterns similar to A-Type granites. Preserved igneous textures, absence or weak imprint of ductile tectonics, association with mafic to intermediate enclaves and alignment of samples according to monzonitic (high-K calcalkaline) series all indicate post-collisional to post-orogenic complexes as described in the literature. Such interpretation is supported by trace element discrimination diagrams that place the Serra da Macambira pluton as late-orogenic, probably reflecting the vanishing stages of the exhumation and collapse of the Brasiliano/Pan-African orogen.

Interpretação sísmica e análise de atributos - área do levantamento sísmico 3D de siririzinho (Bacia Sergipe-Alagoas, NE do Brasil)

The main objective of the present thesis was the seismic interpretation and seismic attribute analysis of the 3D seismic data from the Siririzinho high, located in the Sergipe Sub-basin (southern portion of Sergipe-Alagoas Basin). This study has enabled a better understanding of the stratigraphy and structure that the Siririzinho high experienced during its development. In a first analysis, we used two types of filters: the dip-steered median filter, was used to remove random noise and increase the lateral continuity of reflections, and fault-enhancement filter was applied to enhance the reflection discontinuities. After this filtering step similarity and curvature attributes were applied in order to identify and enhance the distribution of faults and fractures. The use of attributes and filtering greatly contributed to the identification and enhancement of continuity of faults. Besides the application of typical attributes (similarity and curvature) neural network and fingerprint techniques were also used, which generate meta-attributes, also aiming to highlight the faults; however, the results were not satisfactory. In a subsequent step, well log and seismic data analysis were performed, which allowed the understanding of the distribution and arrangement of sequences that occur in the Siririzinho high, as well as an understanding of how these units are affected by main structures in the region. The Siririzinho high comprises an elongated structure elongated in the NS direction, capped by four seismo-sequences (informally named, from bottom to top, the sequences I to IV, plus the top of the basement). It was possible to recognize the main NS-oriented faults, which especially affect the sequences I and II, and faults oriented NE-SW, that reach the younger sequences, III and IV. Finally, with the interpretation of seismic horizons corresponding to each of these sequences, it was possible to define a better understanding of geometry, deposition and structural relations in the area.

Aplicação da modelagem estrutural computacional direta na análise da geometria de falhas: exemplo da falha de Baixa Grande (Bacia Potiguar - NE do Brasil)

The Baixa grande fault is located on the edge of the S-SW Potiguar Rift. It limits the south part of Umbuzeiro Graben and the Apodi Graben. Although a number of studies have associated the complex deformation styles in the hanging wall of the Baixa Grande Fault with geometry and displacement variations, none have applied the modern computational techniques such as geometrical and kinematic validations to address this problem. This work proposes a geometric analysis of the Baixa Fault using seismic interpretation. The interpretation was made on 3D seismic data of the Baixa Grande fault using the software OpendTect (dGB Earth Sciences). It was also used direct structural modeling, such as Analog Direct Modeling know as Folding Vectors and, 2D and 3D Direct Computational Modeling. The Folding Vectors Modeling presented great similarity with the conventional structural seismic interpretations of the Baixa Grande Fault, thus, the conventional interpretation was validated geometrically. The 2D direct computational modeling was made on some sections of the 3D data of the Baixa Grande Fault on software Move (Midland Valley Ltd) using the horizon modeling tool. The modeling confirms the influence of fault geometry on the hanging wall. The Baixa Grande Fault ramp-flat-ramp geometry generates synform on the concave segments of the fault and antiform in the convex segments. On the fault region that does not have segments angle change, the beds are dislocated without deformation, and on the listric faults occur rollover. On the direct 3D computational modeling, structural attributes were obtained as horizons on the hanging wall of the main fault, after the simulation of several levels of deformation along the fault. The occurrence of structures that indicates shortening in this modeling, also indicates that the antiforms on the Baixa Grande Fault were influenced by fault geometry

Pirometamorfismo nos arenitos da Formação Açu, Bacia Potiguar, NE do Brasil

Pyrometamorphism results from conditions of high temperatures and very low pressures provoked by the intrusion of hypabyssal basic bodies into sedimentary or metassedimentary hosting rocks. The onshore portion of the Potiguar Basin in NE Brazil offers examples of this type of metamorphism nearby the contacts of Paleogene to Neogene plugs, sills and dikes of diabases and basalts crosscutting sandstones, siltstones and shales of the Açu Formation (Albian-Cenomanian). The thermal effects over these rocks are reflected on textures and minerals assemblages that characterize the sanidinite facies of metamorphism, often with partial melting of the feldspathic and mica-rich matrix. The liquid formed is potassic and peraluminous, with variably colored rhyolitic glass (colorless, yellow, brown) comprising microcrystals of tridymite, sanidine and clinoenstatite, besides residual detrital clasts of quartz and rarely zircon, staurolite and garnet. Lenses of shale intercalated within the sandstones display crystallites of Fe-cordierite (sekaninaite), mullite, sanidine, armalcolite (Fe-Ti oxide) and brown spinel. The rocks formed due to the thermal effect of the intrusions are called buchites for which two types are herein described: a light one derived from feldspathic sandstone and siltstone protoliths; and a dark one derived from black shale protoliths. Textures indicating partial melting and minerals such as sanidine, mullite, tridymite and armalcolite strongly demonstrate that during the intrusion of the basic bodies the temperature reached 1,000-1,150°C, and was followed by quenching. Cooling of the interstitial melts has as consequences the closure of pores and decrease of the permeability of the protolith, which varies from about 17-11% in the unaffected rocks to zero in the thermally modified types. Although observed only at contacts and over small distances, the number of basic intrusions hosted within the Potiguar Basin in both onshore and offshore portions leaves opened the possibility of important implications of the thermal effects over the hydrocarbon exploration in this area as well in other Cretaceous and Paleozoic basins in Brazil

Caracterização e análise do talude continental adjacente à bacia potiguar, NE Brasil

This work presents the results of the first imaging of continental slope adjacent to Potiguar Basin, in the equatorial Brazilian margin (NE Brazil). Swath bathymetry provided a complete coverage of seafloor between the upper and middle slope (100-1,300 m). Fifteen submarine canyons were mapped. The shape of the slope reflects in distinct spatial distribution of the canyons. The western area displays convex profiles which implied a greater amount of incisions by canyons. Some of them have gradient walls higher than 35°. They were classified according to location and morphology. The canyons with heads indenting shelf edge, association with a incised valley and a large fluvial system, high sinuosities, V shape, terraces along margins, further erosive features such as landslide and gullies allow to deduce a sandy-gravelly sedimentation. These canyons are associated with deposition of submarine fan systems that have been considered permeable hydrocarbon reservoirs. The presence of gullies, furrows and dunes demonstrates the role of bottom currents in the shaping of the slope. The enlargement of canyons and the change in the course when they cross the border fault imply that tectonic has also influenced in the morphology of deep waters environments of Potiguar Basin. The current sedimentation of continental slope is considered mixed because the sediments are composed of siliciclastics and bioclasts. Predominant siliciclastics are calcite, dolomite, quartz, and clay minerals. The presence of stable minerals (zircon, tourmaline and rutile), and fragmented bioclasts implies the contributions of Rivers Açu and Apodi