Velha Formation Research Articles

Distinct styles of fluvial deposition in a Cambrian rift basin

AbstractProcess‐based and facies models to account for the origin of pre‐vegetation (i.e. pre‐Silurian) preserved fluvial sedimentary architectures remain poorly defined in terms of their ability to account for the nature of the fluvial conditions required to accumulate and preserve architectural elements in the absence of the stabilizing influence of vegetation. In pre‐vegetation fluvial successions, the repeated reworking of bars and minor channels that resulted in the generation and preservation of broad, tabular, stacked sandstone‐sheets has been previously regarded as the dominant sedimentary mechanism. This situation is closely analogous to modern‐day poorly vegetated systems developed in arid climatic settings. However, this study demonstrates the widespread presence of substantially more complex stratigraphic architectures. The Guarda Velha Formation of Southern Brazil is a >500 m‐thick synrift fluvial succession of Cambrian age that records the deposits and sedimentary architecture of three distinct fluvial successions: (i) an early rift‐stage system characterized by coarse‐grained channel elements indicative of a distributive pattern with flow transverse to the basin axis; and two coeval systems from the early‐ to climax‐rift stages that represent (ii) an axially directed, trunk fluvial system characterized by large‐scale amalgamated sandy braid‐bar elements, and (iii) a distributive fluvial system characterized by multi‐storey, sandy braided‐channel elements that flowed transverse to the basin axis. Integration of facies and architectural‐element analysis with regional stratigraphic basin analysis, palaeocurrent and pebble‐provenance analysis demonstrates the mechanisms responsible for preserving the varied range of fluvial architectures present in this pre‐vegetation, rift‐basin setting. Identified major controls that influenced pre‐vegetation fluvial sedimentary style include: (i) spatial and temporal variation in discharge regime; (ii) the varying sedimentological characteristics of distinct catchment areas; (iii) the role of tectonic basin configuration and its direct role in influencing palaeoflow direction and fluvial style, whereby both the axial and transverse fluvial systems undertook a distinctive response to syn‐depositional movement on basin‐bounding faults. Detailed architectural analyses of these deposits reveal significant variations in geometry, with characteristics considerably more complex than that of simple, laterally extensive, stacked sandstone‐sheets predicted by most existing depositional models for pre‐vegetation fluvial systems. These results suggest that the sheet‐braided style actually encompasses a varied number of different pre‐vegetation fluvial styles. Moreover, this study demonstrates that contemporaneous axial and transverse fluvial systems with distinctive architectural expressions can be preserved in the same overall tectonic and climatic setting.

Análise estratigráfica da Formação Brejo Santo, Bacia do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil: implicações paleogeográficas

The Araripe Basin has been the subject of several publications in the recent years, notably with respect to the rich paleontological collection of Brejo Santo, Crato and Romualdo Formations. However, papers detailing stratigraphic aspects of Brejo Santo Formation are scarce. The formation (Mesozoic era - Dom Joao Stage) is represented by a predominantly pelithic succession (up to 450 m thick) outcropping in eastern portion of the basin. The Brejo Santo Formation unconformably overlies the Cariri Formation, presumably of Paleozoic age, and makes gradational contact with the overlying Missao Velha Formation. It consists of pelithes, such as massive to laminated reddish-brown chalks and calciferous shales with decimetric intercalations of white to greenish-grey siltstones and centimetric layers of reddish mottled, speckled and striped shales, with calcareous nodules, and subordinately, muddy limestones and highly fossiliferous calciferous sandstones and fine sandstones with planar cross-stratifications. The measured paleocurrents have a consistent dispersion pattern for SE, SW and S, suggesting the installation of an open wide basin toward the south. The facies and facies associations described were interpreted as generated by (i) lake systems in which periodically the level of the lakes and/or ponds suffered sudden variations, causing changes in coloration related to seasonal fluctuations in the level of the lake (periods of subaerial exposure) and (ii) ephemeral river systems which fed these lakes. The widespread occurrence of fossil organisms, such as non-marine ostracods and conchostracheans suggest that the sediments of Brejo Santo Formation were possibly deposited in lacustrine-fluviatile systems favorable to the formation of red beds layers, under hot climatic conditions with well-defined dry seasons, corroborating the depositional system interpretation.

Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Upper Jurassic–Neocomian rift succession, Araripe Basin, Northeast Brazil

The rift succession of the Araripe Basin can be subdivided into four depositional sequences, bounded by regional unconformities, which record different palaeogeographic and palaeoenvironmental contexts. Sequence I, equivalent to the Brejo Santo Formation, is composed of fluvial sheetflood and floodplain facies association, while Sequence II, correspondent to the lower portion of the Missão Velha Formation, is characterised by braided fluvial channel belt deposits. The fluvial deposits of Sequences I and II show palaeocurrents toward SE. The Sequence III, correspondent to the upper portion of Missão Velha Formation, is composed of fluvial sheetflood deposits, which are overlain by braided fluvial channel deposits displaying a palaeocurrent pattern predominantly toward SW to NW. Sequence IV, equivalent to the Abaiara Formation, is composed of fluvio–deltaic–lacustrine strata with polimodal paleocurrent pattern. The type of depositional systems, the palaeocurrent pattern and the comparison with general tectono-stratigraphic rift models led to the identification of different evolutionary stages of the Araripe Basin. Sequences I, II and III represent the record of a larger basin associated to an early rift stage. However, the difference of the fluvial palaeocurrent between sequences II and III marks a regional rearrangement of the drainage system related to tectonic activity that compartmentalised the large endorheic basin, defining more localised drainage basins separated by internal highs. Sequence IV is associated with the renewal of the landscape and implantation of half-graben systems. The high dispersion of palaeocurrents trends indicate that sedimentary influx occurs from different sectors of the half-grabens.

Fácies sedimentares e elementos arquitetônicos das Formações Serra do Apertado e Pedra Pintada na Região das Minas do Camaquã - RS

The Guaritas Group (Cambrian, RS, Southern Brazil) encompasses sedimentary deposits of bedload or mixed load rivers, eolian dune fields and alluvial fans, and constitutes a rare sedimentary record of Cambrian age in Eastern South America. In this context, its uppermost unit, named Serra do Apertado Formation, contains the last record of stabilization phase of the Gondwana Continent in south and southeastern Brazil. Nevertheless, there are no published detailed studies on its facies and depositional architecture, and this unit has been considered as similar to the Guarda Velha Formation since its original definition. Based on sedimentary facies and depositional architecture studies of the Serra do Apertado Formation and the upper portion of its underlying unit, the Pedra Pintada Formation, the depositional environments were characterized and a descriptive basis was established to distinguish them from the other units of the Guaritas Group. The Serra do Apertado Formation is characterized by the architectural element EL (Sheet floods), which encompasses facies associations that points to a fluvial system characterized by large discharge changes and occasional eolian reworking of bar tops. The upper part of the Pedra Pintada Formation intercalates the architectural elements DB (barchanoid dunes) and IF (Fluvial interdunes). The exclusivity of EL in the Serra do Apertado Formation contrasts with previous descriptions of the Guarda Velha Formation, which show elements of channel-fill and frequent conglomeratic lenses. Those differences reveal more eolian reworking in the Serra do Apertado Formation and possibly more episodic flow, suggesting, preliminarily, a dryer climate than the one recorded in the Guarda Velha Formation.

Planohybodus marki sp. nov., a new fresh-water hybodontid shark from the Early Cretaceous of northeastern Brazil

A new species of hybodontid shark is described for the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. The type specimen is derived from pre-Aptian strata of Malhada Vermelha Formation, Lima Campos Basin (Ceará State, northeastern Brazil), with referred material from the Missão Velha Formation of Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil. The new taxon differs from other Planohybodus species by the presence of a stronger tooth ornamentation characterized by simple, usually non-branching cristae that nearly reach the apex of the main cusp as well as distinctly divergent lateral cusplets. In addition, certain North-American specimens formerly attributed to Hybodus are identified as Planohybodus. The new species presented herein, in addition to the North-American remains, represents an important contribution to the knowledge of the distribution of Planohybodus, expanding the geographic range of the genus to South and North America in the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.

Seismites as a tool in the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of fluvial deposits: The Cambrian Guarda Velha Formation, southern Brazil

Soft-sediment deformation (SSD) is widely described in the literature, but there is no clear consensus regarding its origin and significance. Existing models for SSD in fluvial sediments do not clearly demonstrate a relationship between the structures, preserved facies expression, and larger-scale depositional architecture. In this study several types of SSD structures are recorded in Cambrian fluvial deposits and these occur interbedded with undeformed strata throughout the entire stratigraphic interval. The random distribution of these features in relation to primary facies types and fluvial forms indicates that they have neither a direct nor indirect relationship with any depositional processes or bedform type. We propose that the relationship of SSD at the bed-set-scale to larger-scale depositional architecture, combined with tectono-stratigraphic analysis allows the determination of both short-term fluvial hydraulic conditions in ancient stream systems, such as the nature of the flow regime responsible for depositing ancient fluvial stream successions, and the long-term subsidence rates, in the form of mean recurrence interval of the seismic events responsible for triggering the generation of SSD in tectonically active basins.

The Hybodontiformes (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii) from the Missão Velha Formation (?Lower Cretaceous) of the Araripe Basin, North-East Brazil

The ?Early Cretaceous (pre-Aptian) Missão Velha Formation of the Araripe Basin of North-East Brazil yields remains referred to two hybodontiform shark taxa: the hybodontid Planohybodus and the lonchidiid Parvodus. Paleoenvironmental analysis of this formation suggests freshwater or perhaps brackish deposition. The specimens described here were collected from a new locality and are found in association with actinopterygian and sarcopterygian fishes and rarer turtles, crocodylomorphs and theropod dinosaurs. The chondrichthyan assemblage is represented by isolated teeth, cephalic spines, and dorsal fin spines. This is the first record of Planohybodus in the Araripe Basin and the first record of Parvodus in the Cretaceous of Gondwana.

Estratigrafia, arquitetura deposicional e faciologia da formação Missão Velha (Neojurássico-Eocretáceo) na área-tipo, bacia do Araripe, nordeste do Brasil: exemplo de sedimentação de estágio de início de rifte a clímax de rifte

The aim of this study was to carry out a stratigraphic revision of the Missão Velha Formation (Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil) based on detailed facies analysis, architectural elements, depositional systems and palaeoflow data. The main facies are: 1. coarse-grained conglomeratic sandstones and locally pebbly conglomerates, with abundant silicified fossil trunks, several large-to medium-scale trough cross-stratifications and predominantly lenticular geometry; 2. medium-to coarse-grained lenticular sandstones with granules, abundant silicified fossil wood and trunks, and large-to medium-scale trough cross-stratifications, cut-and-fill features and mud drapes on the foreset cross-strata; 3. conglomerates and poorly sorted medium-grained sandstones with sparse pebbles and horizontal stratification; 4. fine-to very fine-laminated silty sandstone interlayered with 5. decimetric pelitic layers with parallel stratification and climbing-ripple cross-lamination. Ten architectural elements were identified: CH: Channels, GB: Gravel bars and bedforms, SG: sediment gravity flows, SB: Sand bars and bedforms, SB(p): sand bedform with planar cross-stratification, OFch: Overbank flow of channel (levee, crevasse and channel splay), DA: Downstream-accretion macroforms, LS: Laminated sand-sheet, LA: Lateral-accretion macroforms and FF: Floodplain fines. Not all of these features were observed at each outcrop. These elements, which are defined by their geometry and bounding surfaces, form the basis for interpreting depositional environments. The Missão Velha Formation is interpreted as: a. high energy braided fluvial systems with fining-upward cycles, channelized features, truncated cross-strata (diastema), lenticular geometry, channeled sandstones, sparse pebbles and b. meandering river systems due to the presence of flood plain deposits, crevasse splays and point-bars deposits. Aeolian deposits can also occur.

Growth ring analysis of fossil coniferous woods from early cretaceous of Araripe Basin (Brazil)

Growth ring analysis on silicified coniferous woods from the Missão Velha Formation (Araripe Basin - Brazil) has yielded important information about periodicity of wood production during the Early Cretaceous in the equatorial belt. Despite warm temperatures, dendrological data indicate that the climate was characterized by cyclical alternation of dry and rainy periods influenced by cyclical precipitations, typical of tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The abundance of false growth rings can be attributed to both occasional droughts and arthropod damage. The present climate data agree with palaeoclimatic models that inferred summer-wet biomes for the Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous boundary in the southern equatorial belt.

MAPA GEOLÓGICO DA PLANÍCIE COSTEIRA ENTRE O RIO SAÍ-GUAÇU E A BAÍA DE SÃO FRANCISCO, LITORAL NORTE DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA

A geologia de superfície da região costeira, entre o Rio Saí-Guaçu e a Baía de São Francisco, litoral norte de Santa Catarina, é constituída por rochas do embasamento cristalino Pré-Cambriano e pela cobertura sedimentar do Cenozóico. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um novo mapa geológico dessa cobertura, na escala 1:50.000, com ênfase na planície costeira. Na área, foram identificadas as seguintes unidades: Fm. Mina Velha do Mioceno Inferior; colúvios, leques aluviais e depósitos fluviais, do Quaternário indiferenciado; terraços costeiros do Pleistoceno Superior (120.000 anos A.P.) e do Holoceno (< 7.000 anos A.P.); planícies paleoestuarinas do Holoceno; dunas, praias e mangues atuais. A distribuição em superfície e subsuperfície e o empilhamento das fácies dos depósitos costeiros permitem compreender alguns aspectos da evolução geológica e paleogeográfica da área durante o Quaternário. A ocorrência de extensos terraços do Pleistoceno e Holoceno, a presença de paleolagunas na retaguarda dos terraços e a ocorrência de sedimentos argilosos lagunares sob os terraços permitem inferir que, durante os ciclos transgressivos regressivos do Pleistoceno superior e Holoceno, existiram na região barreiras transgressivas e regressivas. A extensão das planícies paleoestuarinas indica que durante o máximo transgressivo do Holoceno existiam grandes estuários e lagunas. A morfologia dos cordões litorâneos evidencia que no Holoceno houve a formação de esporões paralelos à costa, que teriam crescido para o norte sob o efeito da deriva litorânea predominante. O crescimento desses esporões teria desviado a desembocadura do Rio Saí-Mirim para o norte. Durante essa migração, o rio erodiu a parte interna desses esporões e, provavelmente, as barreiras transgressivas do Holoceno. GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE COASTAL PLAIN BETWEEN THE SAÍ-GUAÇU RIVER AND SÃO FRANCISCO BAY, NORTHERN COAST OF THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA Abstract The studied area is located in the northeastern area of the State of Santa Catarina between 25o57' S and 26o14' S. The surface geology of the area is composed by rocks from the Precambrian basement and from the Cenozoic sedimentary cover. In conventional geological maps, the Cenozoic sedimentary package appears as an undifferentiated unit (e.g. Siga Jr. et al. 1993). Martin et al. (1988) presented the first map of the coastal Quaternary of the State of Santa Catarina, in 1:200,000 scale. Later, Horn Filho (1997) presented a map, in the scale 1:50,000, of the São Francisco do Sul region. The objective of this study is to present a new geological map, in the scale 1:50,000, of the coastal plain between the Saí-Guaçu River and the São Francisco Bay. In the studied area the following Cenozoic age units were identified: Mina Velha Formation, probably of Lower Miocene; colluvium and alluvial fans of undifferentiated Quaternary; fluvial deposits of undifferentiated Quaternary; Upper Pleistocene coastal terraces (120,000 years B.P.); Holocene coastal terraces (< 7,000 years B.P.); Holocene paleoestuarine plains; dunes; beaches and mangroves. The distribution on the surface and subsurface and the layers of facies of the coastal deposits allow an understanding of some aspects of the geological and paleogeographical evolution of the area during the Quaternary. There are extensive Pleistocene and Holocene terraces, the presence of paleolagoons on the terrace backs and also fine lagoon sediments below the terraces makes one infer that during the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene there were transgressive barrier and regressive beach/foredune ridges in the region, similar to those described by Lessa et al. (2000) in the State of Paraná. The extension of the paleoestuarine plains indicates that during the Holocene transgressive maximum there were large estuaries and lagoons. The morphology of the beach/foredune ridges provides evidence that in the Holocene spits parallel to the coast foreland that would have grown northward due to the effect of the dominant littoral drift. The growth of these spits caused the migration of the inlet of Saí-Mirim River more than 6 km northward throughout the last 5,000 years. During this migration the river eroded the internal part of these spits and the Holocene transgressive barriers.

ANÁLISE ESTRATIGRÁFICA DA BACIA DO ARARIPE, NORDESTE DO BRASIL

The Araripe Basin comprises four main stratigraphic sequences separated by unconformities: 1. a Paleozoic sequence composed of the Cariri Formation; 2. a Juro-Neocomian sequence composed of the Brejo Santo Formation, Missao Velha Formation (redefined) and Abaiara Formation; 3. an Aptian-Albian sequence composed of the Barbalha Formation and Santana Formation; and 4. an Albian-Cenomanian sequence composed of the Exu Formation. The Juro-Neocomian sequence is characterized by horsts and grabens displayed in two sub-basins: Cariri and Serrolândia subbasins. The Aptian-Cenomanian is characterized by sub-horizontal bedding and localized brittle deformation. The events of sedimentation, erosion, and deformation proposed for the sequences above, integrate the Phanerozoic evolution in Northeastern Brazil. The Paleozoic deposits which have, in attempt, been classified as Upper Ordovician/Lower Silurian, have also been interpreted as an extension of the cratonic Parnaiba Basin. The Juro-Neoconian sequence is u» sedimentary response to the mechanical subsidence brought about by the Gondwana rifting processes. The Barbalha and Santana formations comprise a transgressive-regressive cycle characterized by short-lived sea ingression which has deposited an exuberant fossiliferous carbonate concretions level and extensive gypsum beds. The presence of alluvial deposits of Exu Formation, deposited contemporaneously to a global eustatic sea level rising, suggests an epeirogenic uplift early in the Albian-Cenomanian time.

Estudo palinológico preliminar de um folhelho betuminoso da formação missão velha, chapada do Araripe

Part of the geologic importance of the Araripe Basin is related to the ocurrence of a bituminous shale that has been mineralized with metallic suphides. This layer occurs along the NE flank of the basin and belongs to the upper part of the Missao Velha Formation, of probably Neocomian age. In this paper, a preliminary palynologic analysis of this shale is presented, and the information thus obtained, together with data on other fossils, is used for stratigraphic and paleoecologic interpretations.