The first Triassic lungfish from South America (Santa Maria Formation, Paraná Basin) and its bearing on geological correlations within Pangaea

The Triassic fish faunas of the Southern Hemisphere are only known from a few sedimentary basins and the most productive sites are those from the Karoo Supergroup, in South Africa and the Sydney Basin of Australia. A single lungfish tooth plate ascribed to Ptychoceratodus cf. philippsi was recovered from Late Triassic (Carnian) red beds of southern Brazil and is described herein. This find extends to South America the palaeogeographic distribution of the genus, which occurs in the Early Triassic of Australia and South Africa and the Middle/Late Triassic of Europe and Late Triassic of Madagascar and India. The presence of this dipnoan solely in the uppermost part of the Santa Maria Formation suggests that the migration of Ptychoceratodus towards the Paraná Basin began not before the late Induan/early Olenekian (late Early Triassic). At that time, more humid (monsoonal) conditions prevailed in what is now southern Brazil, compared to semi-arid/desert conditions that dominated the Late Permian and possibly the earliest Early Triassic (the latter presumably not represented in the Paraná Basin). © The Geological Society of London 2008.

Caracterização das falhas de transferência na porção norte da Bacia de Santos a partir da integração de dados geológicos e geofísicos

Structures transverse/sub-transverse to the shoreline have been identified and characterized on the precambrian basement outcrop on the continent adjacent to the northern Santos Basin. These structures were analyzed from images of digital elevation model SRTM 90m by extracting NW-SE lineaments that intersect the NE-SW foliation. The lineaments were selected, classified into 48 segments that extend toward offshore, and correlated with basin structures. In the basin 25 2D seismic sections, 12 well logs and data from potential methods were interpreted, identifying the key stratigraphic levels and the major structures. Structural maps of each horizon were generated. Six transfer faults (FTs) were recognized and named FT-1 to FT-6, whose extensions correspond to continental lineaments named FC1 to FC6. The FTs are related to the basin deformation and evolution. In seismic sections, these faults have lateral slip in flower structures, displacement inversions from normal at the top to reverse at the base, abrupt changes in thickness or even disappearance of the seismic reflectors. The structural map of the Basement and Top of the Rift shows control of some depocenters by faults and displacements in some areas. The maps of potential methods indicate that there are pronounced anomaly shifts in some areas, associated with FTs. Some seismic sections indicate reactivation of FTs when they intersect horizons from the basement until the most recent layers. The 3D integration of data facilitated the observation of the FT extensions in the continent discontinuity.

Sinalização visual e biologia reprodutiva de Dendropsophus werneri (Anura: Hylidae) em área de Mata Atlântica no estado do Paraná, Brasil

We studied the reproductive biology and visual signaling of Dendropsophus werneri, whose distribution is limited to the Atlantic Rain Forest. The fieldwork was carried out in the Estação 2 do IAPAR, municipality of Morretes, state of Paraná, Brazil, from August 2006 to March 2007. Additional information on reproduction was gathered in the Reserva Natural Salto Morato, municipality of Guaraqueçaba, state of Paraná, Brazil, from September 2006 to March 2007. Males were smaller than females. Males called throughout all the study period in Morretes, but were active only during three months in Guaraqueçaba; males called from low vegetation along the edge of temporary ponds in open areas. The visual signaling was observed in two contexts: (1) aggressive behaviors between two males and (2) during the reproduction, by amplectant males. In the territorial behavior, males exhibited both aggressive and mixed calls, visual signaling as well as physical combats. We also recorded satellite behavior in four males. The mean egg number per clutch was 244 ± 32 eggs, varying between 188 and 310 eggs. We observed two reproductive modes: Mode 1 and Mode 24. In the present study, Dendropsophus werneri showed elaborated social interactions involving visual signaling, territorial behavior, mating bahavior with tactile stimuli, and two different reproductive modes, demonstrating its complex reproductive biology.

Alimentação de Serrasalmus maculatus (Kner, 1858) (characiformes; serrasalmidae) no trecho inferior bacia do rio Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this study was to discuss aspects of the diet of Serrasalmus maculatus. Fish were collected using gill nets, whose lengths measured 100 m and mesh diameters varied from 3 to 8 cm. A total of 107 individuals were collected. Their length varied from 62 to 210 mm. They were mainly represented by female and immature individuals. No individual was caught in temperatures below 21°C. Four feeding item categories were observed: fish muscle pieces, parts of fish fins, plant fragments, and insects. Comparisons made among individual length classes revealed some significant differences within stomach consumed contents. Individuals whose length exceeded 165 mm consumed only parts of fish muscles and plants. The food availability in the environment and the class lengths amplitude may, however, have influenced the results, in which ontogenetic differences should not be precisely observed.

Geomorfologia e distribuição da vegetação ripária na ilha Mutum, rio Paraná - PR/MS

Conectivity between the hydrologic regimen and the distribution of the vegetation there is already a lot is recognized by several researchers in the works of fluvial ecology. It can be affirmed that the geomorphology of the alluvial plain has an important paper in the constitution of the riparian vegetation. On the proposed study, traverse topographical profiles were elaborated in the island, recognition of the distribution of the vegetation and the zoning geomorphologic presented in profiles for the Mutum Island. It's located in the upper course of the Parana River, between the mouth of the Paranapanema River and the mouth of the Ivinhema River. It elapses of this study the succession of the strata of the riparian vegetation and the relationship with the morphology of the surface, in this case the relief as the main controller abiotic and selective of the species in the environmental. For the whole island it was possible to define three classes: Mutum Upper Unit, Mutum Lower Unit and Paleochannel. The presented discussion is resulted partial of the project called Processes of Conectivity and the Riparian Vegetacion in the high course of the Parana River, PR/MS.

Distribuição de cladóceros planctônicos (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) em um reservatório eutrófico raso (Paraná, Brasil)

This study focused the spatial and temporal distribution of the composition, abundance, and diversity of planktonic cladocerans from eutrophic, Iraí Reservoir, as well as their relationships with some biotic and abiotic variables. The tested hypothesis was that cladocerans present higher variation in a temporal than in a spatial scale. The samples were taken monthly in 6 stations, from March/02 to July/03. Twenty-four taxa were identified, distributed in 7 families, the richest families being Daphniidae (6 spp.), Chydoridae (6 spp.), and Bosminidae (5 spp.). The most frequent and abundant species were Bosmina hagmanni, Moina minuta, and Ceriodaphnia cornuta. The highest abundances were found in September/2002. Temporally, rainfall influenced organism's distribution, while spatially cladocerans were more affected by reservoir hydrodynamics and wind action. The low species richness could be a reflection of the trophic state of the reservoir, in which a dominance of Cyanobacteria was observed during that study period. Both scales showed high variation, but only the temporal scale showed significant difference to richness and abundance. Nearby the end of this study, higher stable values of species richness were recorded, which could suggest an increase in the water quality due to des-pollutions actions.

Análise morfotectônica da Bacia do rio Santo anastácio, sp, através de parâmetros fluviomorfométricos e de registros paleossísmicos

Fluvial morphometry is method of great value regarding neotectonic analysis of extensive areas because streams, besides representing one of the main agents in the relief modeling, quickly adjust their thalwegs to even the most gentle crustal deformations. The purpose of this paper is to present the application of some morphometric techniques in the Santo Anastácio River hydrographic basin in order to identify recent tectonic deformations. Additionally, we show liquefaction structures identified in the basin and interpreted here as seismites linked to ancient earthquakes (magnitudes greater than 5). The morphometric survey includes longitudinal stream profile analysis, RDE (declivity versus stream length) index application, and the sinuosity study of the Santo Anastácio River channel. Geologic substrate comprises Cretaceous siliciclastic rocks of the Caiuá and Bauru groups, locally covered by Cenozoic sediments (alluvial plains, terrace deposits, colluvial aprons, as well as in situ regoliths). Considering that liquefaction structures affect dark clay layers of 32.340±320 year BP age (14C dating), a lower age limit for the ancient earthquake is triggered in that region. The authors believe that neotectonic understanding of the Western São Paulo State Plateau is important to the geologic and geomorphologic evolution of that landscape and to the consequent territorial planning and occupation.

Paisagem natural paleógena da bacia sedimentar de São Paulo no município de guarulhos, estado de São Paulo

Paleogene sediments of this region represent a significant source of water for urban, industrial and agricultural activities. This basin is part of the Southeastern Brazilian Continental Rift, which occupies a large portion of this geographical area. This study aims to present the evolution of the natural Paleogene landscape, through an analysis of its stratigraphic intcrops and underground portions based on the concept of facies and facies associations. A total of nine clastic and separate lithofacies were recognized and grouped into two main facies associations. These data suggest the existence of two depositional interdigitated systems: fluvial braided fans, which were predominant in parts of the northern and central area, and another composed of lacustrine sediments found in its central-south region. The paleogeography herein outlined will help considerably in the detection of new areas for mineral and water resources prospection, as well as in urban planning projects of this region.

Geologia e litogeoquímica da formação serra geral nos estados de mato grosso e mato grosso do sul

The basalts of the Formação Serra Geral in Parana Basin in the Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso states cover an area of 180,000 km2. They rest on the Botucatu sandstones and they are recovered by the sedimentary rocks of Bauru and Caiuá Groups. The mineralogical composition of these rocks are plagioclase (40%-55%), clinopyroxenes (19%-40%; augite and pigeonite), opaque minerals (2%-10%; magnetite and ilmenite) and olivine (1.5%). Geochemical data show two different types of basalts, named ATi-Pitanga (2.6% < TiO2 < 4.2%; 396 ppm < Sr < 438 ppm) and BTi-Ribeira (1.7% TiO2 <2.4%, 246 ppm < Sr < 286 ppm). In general, ATi-Pitanga have gently higher La/Yb(n) (6,1 ± 1,5ppm) than those BTi-Ribeira (5.6 ± 1,7ppm). The geochemical differences between ATi-Pitanga and BTi-Ribeira probably are related to different degrees of partial melt of a same mantle source, or to different mantle sources. The field relations show that BTi-Ribeira is displaced towards the north-western margin of the Paraná Basin and the thickness of lava flows increases towards the Paraná Graben, suggesting that ATi-Pitaga overlies BTi-Ribeira.

Condições hidrológicas de uma bacia hidrográfica com diferentes usos do solo na região de taquaritinga, SP

In areas where human activities, as agriculture, are developed land use contributes to physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. This study aimed to identify physical and chemical variations of the water monitoring network in 4 first magnitude watersheds with different land use/occupation in the hydrographic basin of the Glori Farm Creek in the city of Taquaritinga, State of Sao Paulo, from February to July, 2005. The methodology consisted of weekly sample water collections to naalyze turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and electric conductivity. The characterization of the hydrological conditions of the watersheds showed that agricultural activities, including the productive system of the sugarcane cultivation, have affected the quality of water resources.

Diagnóstico das áreas de preservação permanente na bacia hidrográfica do rio Tijuco, Ituiutaba - MG, utilizando tecnologia SIG

The present work had the objective to elaborate the map of land use and vegetation covering from Tijuco river watershed, Ituiutaba-MG, based on digital images obtained by satellite from CBERS 2, through automatic delimitation of permanent preservation areas followed by identification of land use conflict based on the Brazilian Forest Code (Law no 4771/1965) and National Council of Environment's Resolution no 303/02. This paper analyzes, through quantitative parameters and the use of Geographic Information System, the maintenance tracks of width recommended by the legislation for permanent preservation areas over water bodies. The results showed a deficit of conserved areas along the riverbanks of 2334 ha that are not in compliance with the legislation. The pasture occupies unduly 0.97% of the area of the basin in the permanent preservation areas at the riverbanks, while agriculture occupies 0.38%.

A new permian bivalve (Megadesmidae, Plesiocyprinellinae) from the Serrinha member, Rio do Rasto Formation, Paraná Basin, Brazil

During a recent inspection in the Paleontological Collection of the Institute of Geosciences, University of São Paulo, we have identifi ed some specimens of undescribed mollusk bivalves. These called our attention for the following reasons: a) all specimens are internal molds of conjugated and closed articulated valves, some of them presenting fragments of silicifi ed shells; b) all internal molds have similar general shape and internal characters, representing specimens of the same taxon; c) the internal molds and silicifi ed valves are well preserved, including fragile structures, which are hardly preserved, such as the internal mold of the external ligament and muscle scars; d) and equally important, according to the labels of all specimens, they were collected from rocks of the Passa Dois Group (Permian), Serrinha Member of the Rio do Rasto Formation. Although who collected the shells and the precise geographic location of the specimens are still unknown, the detailed study of these fossils brings us to the conclusion that they are morphologically distinct from any heretofore published genus of the endemic fauna of bivalves from Passa Dois Group. Based in its general shape, hinge structure and muscles scars, the new form can be classifi ed under the Family Megadesmidae Vokes, 1967, the most diverse group of Permian bivalves of the Paraná Basin. The specimens are referred as Beurlenella elongatella new gen. and sp. The shell shape and taphonomy indicate that this bivalve was a shallow, rapid, active burrower, suspension feeder, probably preserved in situ, in event deposits.

Othonella araguaiana (Bivalvia, Megadesmidae) from the Corumbataí formation (Midlle Permian), eastern margin of the Paraná Basin: Systematic, evolutionary and biostratigraphic significances

In this study, the occurrence of Othonella araguaiana Mendes, a rare bivalve species is reported for the fi rst time in the Pinzonella illusa biozone, Middle Permian Corumbataí Formation, in the State of São Paulo. This species was originally described in coeval rocks of the Estrada Nova Formation (= Corumbataí) from the Alto Araguaia and Alto Garças regions, State of Mato Grosso. The specimens of O. araguaiana were found in the base of a bioclastic sandstone bed, a proximal tempestite, in the middle of the Corumbataí Formation, in the city of Rio Claro, São Paulo State. The silicifi ed shells and internal molds are well preserved, showing impressions of muscle scars and other internal anatomic characters (e.g., hinge), never illustrated by previous authors. In his original description, Mendes (1963) called attention to the similarity between O. araguaiana and Terraia aequilateralis, a common veneroid of the Corumbataí Formation. Conversely, Runnegar and Newell (1971) suggested that O. araguaiana belongs to Megadesmidae, being a junior synonym of Plesiocyprinella carinata (the commonest megadesmid of the Passa Dois Group). Our study indicates that O. araguaiana is indeed a megadesmid, but is distinct from the P. carinata. The new occurrence of O. araguaiana demonstrates that a) the paleobiogeographic distribution of this species is wider than previously thought (that it was restricted to the northern part of Paraná Basin, Mato Grosso State); b) the molluscan fauna of the Corumbataí Formation (P. illusa biozone) in the State of São Paulo is more diverse and dominated by megadesmids; and c) the composition of the molluscan fauna of the Corumbataí Formation in Alto Garças, State of Mato Grosso, is essentially the same as that of the P. illusa biozone of the eastern margin of the Paraná Basin.

Avaliação microbiológica e físico-química de leites uht produzidos no Estado do Paraná - Brasil

The present work analyzed 150 UHT whole milk samples from three different brands, commercialized in city of Palotina (Paraná, Brazil), between October of 2004 and February of 2005. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria counting results were compared to the Agriculture Ministry of Brazil official standards (RTIQ) for UHT milk. 36 (24%) of the sample presented higher mesophilic bacteria counting according to the standards. Also, were proceeded physic-chemical analyses of those samples. 7.3% of the acidity results, 29% of crude fat and 50.7% of dry matter without fat were disagreeing to RTIQ. All samples accorded to the standards for cryoscopy and alcohol stability tests.

Avaliação da dinâmica do uso da terra na bacia do arroio Santa Bárbara - pelotas (Brasil), no período de 1953 a 2006

Land use dynamics is a consequence of socioeconomic system cycles. In this context, this work was developed aiming to evaluate land use alterations in Santa Bárbara watershed (Pelotas - Brazil), during 53 years (1953 - 2006), evidencing socioeconomic elements that contributed to this process. For land use dynamic analysis, maps of 1953, 1965, 1995 e 2006 were elaborated. Spatial changes that happened in Santa Bárbara watershed represent a regional process: pasture areas had decrease while culture lands had a gradual increase. This conjuncture is a consequence of the crisis in livestock destined to salted and dried meat production and of the food industry growth in Pelotas that impelled urban expansion, forest area reduction and artificial water reservoirs increase. © Scripta Nova, 2010.