MARINE CURRENTS AND DELTAIC SYSTEMS IMPACTS ON THE SOUTHERN BRAZILIAN CONTINENTAL MARGIN FORMATION SINCE THE NEOGENE: A PERSPECTIVE FROM CLINOFORMS MORPHOLOGY ANALYSIS

Abstract

Clinothems are sedimentary units composed of clinoforms, which preserve the past morphology of continental margins over time. By measuring geometric parameters of clinoform morphology, it is possible to identify oceanographic and geological conditions during the formation of continental margins. The Pelotas Basin presents an intriguing opportunity for such investigations, as it is influenced by the La Plata River, the Brazilian Coastal Current, the Brazilian Current, and historical smaller river systems. Moreover, projects for environmental licensing processes for offshore wind farm construction have already been established in the Pelotas Basin. In this scenario, it is important to understand how these natural processes could influence margin development on a long-term scale and where it is not safe to construct offshore wind farms. This project aims to understand if the Brazilian southern continental margin was primarily formed by currents or deltaic systems since Neogene, through analyses of clinoform morphology and trajectory. For this purpose, IHS Kingdom Suite and Paleoscan software will be used to visualize and interpret clinoforms found in 2D seismic data of the Pelotas Basin. Additionally, Python and Excel will be utilized to conduct statistical analyses of the geometric parameters of the clinoforms. However, as this type of study is still in its early stages in Brazil, collaborative research is proposed with Dr. Victorien Paumard, a specialist in quantitative seismic stratigraphy at the Centre for Energy Geoscience, directed by Prof. Dr. Simon Lang, at the University of Western Australia. This collaboration represents an opportunity to acquire new quantitative and statistical analytical methods and software skills, thereby enhancing the quality and depth of the research.