Abstract
Abstract This paper presents the results of a new approach based on sandbox models to the understanding of the tectonic evolution of the Volta Redonda Basin, southeastern Brazil. Those models were designed to replicate the overlapping process of two of the four superimposed tectonic events identified in the Volta Redonda Basin: the first one, a rifting event with NW-SE extension direction that created the basin, and the subsequent E-W sinistral transcurrent tectonics. The boundary conditions for the models were set from the geological premises described in previous works, which resulted in the current conceptual geological models of the study area. The sandbox models were composed of alternating layers of colored sand, deposited on two pieces of acetate or cardboard sheets, which acted as pre-existing basement structures. Once completed, the models were cut and photographed to allow observation and interpretation of the resulting internal structures. Moreover, the interpretations maintain similarities with adopted conceptual models and permit conclusions about structures previously identified in other works. Finally, the consequent structural framework exposes the effects of structural reactivation and Basin geometry changes due to the superposition of deformational events and matches with the general structural aspects identified in field studies.
Highlights
In the last forty years, the scientific understanding of the geology of the Volta Redonda Basin has improved a lot
One example is the understanding of the boundary conditions that resulted in the present configuration of the Volta Redonda Basin, supposedly related to the reactivation of basement structures (Riccomini 1989, Negrão 2014)
Considering the main objective of this study was to describe the structural evolution resulting from the superposition of a phase of low-angle extension over a phase of high-angle extension, both identified in the Volta Redonda Basin, analogue modelling has proved itself a convenient and reasonable methodology to characterize the proposed tectonic evolution and its associated structures
Summary
In the last forty years, the scientific understanding of the geology of the Volta Redonda Basin has improved a lot. Since the work of Riccomini (1989), authors have studied various geologic phenomena in the area. The most recent studies in the basin, including structural and stratigraphic characterization (Maciel 2016) to geologic numerical modelling of fault zones genesis (Rodrigues 2016), reflect a new and important interest on understanding the role of deformation on the quality of poorly consolidated sandstones reservoirs. It is natural that diverse scientific gaps still need to be filled. One example is the understanding of the boundary conditions that resulted in the present configuration of the Volta Redonda Basin, supposedly related to the reactivation of basement structures (Riccomini 1989, Negrão 2014)
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