Tectono-sedimentary analysis of the Barreiras Formation and Post-Barreiras Sediments, Paraíba Basin, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Miocene and post-Miocene deposits represented by the Barreiras Formation and the Post-Barreiras Sediments are dominant along the northern and northeastern Brazilian coast. In addition to eustatic causes, changes in relative sea level recorded in these strata have been related to tectonic effects. In the particular instance of the northeastern Brazilian coast, there are studies highlighting the significance of reactivation of Precambrian and Cretaceous tectonic faults in the Miocene and post-Miocene sedimentary evolution, but the record of tectonic evidences in the sedimentary record is still inadequate to establish a robust tectono-sedimentary model. The record of tectonic evidence in the Barreiras Formation and the Post-Barreiras Sediments applying geologic and geomorphologic criteria is a priority that can be helful to establish regional models. The main goal of this doctoral project is to provide parameters that allow the discussion of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of Miocene and post-Miocene deposits in the onshore Paraíba Basin with basis on morphostructural characterization combined with geological information derived from surface and subsurface. This project will explore Digital Elevation Model (DEM) derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), morphometric variables derived from the TOPODATA databasis, images derived from the ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite)-PALSAR (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture), geophysical data of regional nature (gravimetry and magnetometry) and information based on groundwater drills. Such products, organized and analyzed within a geographic information system environment, will allow undertake qualitative and quantitative morphostructural analysis which, combined with geological information, will help to advance in the understanding of the tectonic dynamics affecting the Paraíba Basin, as well as verify the correspondence with tectonic events recorded in other areas of Northeastern Brazil. (AU)