Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Journal of South American Earth Sciences

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jsames

The anomalous magmatism in the southern part of the Santos basin, and the
non-continuous salt layer over Abimael Ridge
W.U. Mohriak *, L. Szameitat
Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Faculdade de Geologia, Departamento de Geologia Regional e Geotectônica, and GeoAtlantico Institute, Rua São
Francisco Xavier, 524 - 4◦ a, CEP: 22550-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: The magmatism in the Santos Basin is related to the following main events: (1) the pre-rift volcanic episode; (2)
Santos basin magmatism the syn-rift to late syn-rift episode; (3) the late Cretaceous episode; and (4) the Paleogene episode. This works
Santos basin salt tectonics focuses on the characterization of these events using seismic data and borehole interpretation in the southern
Oceanic spreading centers
part of the basin. The late Cretaceous magmatic episode is recorded in the shelf break region by 3D seismic data.
Failed oceanic ridges
A mini-basin with possible turbidite reservoirs was tested by an exploratory borehole that revealed several
igneous features, including volcaniclastic sequences, sills, and volcanic plugs. Basinward, the evaporite layers are
thicker and form salt walls above a detachment at the base of the salt reflector, which climbs up oceanward. The
analysis of strong reflectors within the distal salt wall suggested three alternative interpretations, including
igneous sills within the salt mass, anhydrite lenses, carbonate rafts, carbonate stringers, pre-salt microbialite
buildups, and pre-salt volcanic rocks. The interpretation of the seismic and potential field data, constrained by
the borehole results, indicates that the strong reflector corresponds to the top of the volcanic layers below the
pre-salt microbialites.
The anomalous magmatism and salt tectonics styles in the southern part of the Santos Basin are related to a
swath of embryonic oceanic crust that was emplaced during the late Aptian to early Albian. The interpretation of
a regional profile extending from the continental shelf to the oceanic crust provides evidence for the separation of
the salt masses by a failed oceanic spreading center, which is corroborated by the gravity and magnetic models.

1. Introduction important magmatic events in the Santos Basin are dated as Late
Cretaceous (mainly Santonian) and Paleogene, affecting the pre-salt and
This work discusses the anomalous magmatism and salt tectonic post-salt sedimentary sequences (Oreiro, 2006; Oreiro et al., 2008;
features identified in the southern segment of the Santos Basin, offshore Oliveira et al., 2019a,b; Magee et al., 2021; Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon
southeastern Brazil (Fig. 1). Several magmatic events are recorded in the et al., 2023).
basin, during its pre-rift, syn-rift, and post-rift phases of evolution (e.g., The possibility of an aborted spreading center in the southern part of
Feijó, 2013; Pereira and Feijó, 1994). The main magmatic event in the the Santos Basin has been discussed by several authors, based on the
basin predates the Neocomian–Barremian lacustrine deposits that analysis of potential field data (gravity and magnetic) and the inter­
accumulated in the Early Cretaceous rift depocenters (Chang et al., pretation of seismic data (e.g., Mohriak, 2001; Mohriak et al., 2008;
1992; Mohriak, 2003; Mohriak and Fainstein, 2012; Gordon et al., Pichel et al., 2021). The extinct spreading center is characterized by
2023). The rift sequence layers are overlain by the Aptian sag basin prominent ridges associated with an embryonic oceanic crust charac­
deposits, which predate the formation of the oceanic crust. A poorly terized by the absence of the autochthonous salt layers on the volcanic
known magmatic event in the Santos Basin, younger than the pre-rift basement (Mohriak and Leroy, 2012). These ridges correspond to
volcanic rocks, was contemporaneous with the formation of the first plug-like features that resemble salt diapirs, as initially interpreted by
oceanic spreading centers (Mohriak et al., 2008; Heine et al., 2013; several researchers (e.g., Schweig et al., 2015). Several authors have
Kukla et al., 2018). After the continental breakup that resulted in the interpreted these features to correspond to igneous intrusions that have
southeastern Brazilian and western African divergent margins, the most been overlain by post-salt sediments (Mohriak, 2001; Mohriak et al.,

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (W.U. Mohriak).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2023.104435
Received 4 April 2023; Received in revised form 4 June 2023; Accepted 6 June 2023
Available online 22 June 2023
0895-9811/© 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

2008, 2010; Gomes et al., 2012). On the other hand, some authors 2. Geological context
postulate that the ridges at the southern Santos Basin might correspond
to exhumed mantle rocks (Zalán et al., 2011; Garcia et al., 2012). 2.1. Summary of tectonostratigraphic evolution and magmatism in the
The interpretation of regional 2D seismic lines, integrated with the Santos Basin
analysis of a 3D seismic volume, suggests an anomalous post-breakup
magmatic event and salt tectonics in the southern Santos Basin. A 2.1.1. Magmatic phases
triangular-shaped region marked by absence of autochthonous salt is
probably related to the emplacement of an embryonic oceanic ridge that 2.1.1.1. Neocomian-Barremian magmatic phase. The first magmatic
was subsequently aborted (Mohriak, 2001; Mohriak et al., 2008; Pichel cycle corresponds to the rift-onset magmatic episode, and it is assigned
et al., 2021). Several aspects involving the geological interpretation of to the volcanic basement (Fig. 2). These Neocomian igneous rocks
the southern Santos Basin are highlighted in this work: (i) the style and mainly correspond to tholeiitic basalts of the Camboriú Fm. (Moreira
age of magmatism and its relationship to other parts of the margin and et al., 2007). This unit may be associated with the Paraná-Etendeka LIP
the overall geodynamic evolution of the South Atlantic; and (ii) the salt (large igneous province; White and McKenzie, 1989; Gladczenko et al.,
tectonic styles, particularly the role of autochthonous salt deposition 1997; Marzoli et al., 1999). Pre-rift volcanism has yielded radiometric
and the allochthonous salt emplacement above Cenomanian to Albian ages around 127–133 Ma (Almeida et al., 2013; Gordon et al., 2023).
strata, generating unusual stratigraphic sequences that were drilled by The Early Cretaceous tholeiitic basalts from the Paraná-Etendeka LIP
some exploratory boreholes. These results have implications for seismic have been penetrated by several boreholes both on land and offshore of
imaging, prospect evaluation, drilling safety, and petroleum production, the Brazilian and West African margins (e.g., Gordon et al., 2023). These
as the pre-salt reservoir rocks show different permeability and produc­ rocks are commonly interpreted as pre-rift, as they underlie the early
tivity in regions affected by post-salt magmatism (e.g., Pinheiro et al., syn-rift lacustrine deposits (Fig. 2). Several researchers (e.g., Alvarenga
2019; Kangxu et al., 2019; Oliveira et al., 2019a,b; Mohriak et al., 2021, al., 2016; Vieira de Luca et al., 2017; Fornero et al., 2019) have analyzed
2022). the late syn-rift, pre-salt volcanic rocks in the Santos Basin. The main
This work presents a gravity model constrained by seismic inter­ lithologies correspond to extrusive and intrusive basaltic rocks that are
pretation and the results of exploratory boreholes that suggest the intercalated with or underlie the carbonate rocks known as microbialite
presence of a neo-formed oceanic crust separating the two salt masses in (Muniz and Bosence, 2015). The discrimination between the pre-salt
the southernmost Santos Basin. The implications of this model are dis­ carbonate build-ups and the volcanic mounds constitutes a challenge
cussed based on analogies with other divergent margins, such as the Red for petroleum explorationists, as several boreholes targeting the
Sea (Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Mohriak, 2014, 2019a). microbialite reservoirs resulted in penetrating igneous rocks below the
salt layers (e.g., Fornero et al., 2019; Mohriak et al., 2021, 2022).

2.1.1.2. Aptian magmatic phase. Several authors (e.g., Moreira et al.,

2007; Fornero et al., 2019; Gordon et al., 2023) have described the

Fig. 1. Topo-bathymetric map of the

Brazilian southeastern region, from the
Pelotas Basin in the south to the Espírito
Santo Basin in the north. Some of the
major features in the continental margin
include the Vitória-Trindade Ridge, the
Florianópolis Fracture Zone, the Abi­
mael Ridge, and the Pre-Aptian hinge
line that marks the proximal limit of the
rift basins in the offshore region. The
continental-ocean boundary is alterna­
tively interpreted as located landward
of the salt limit (Mohriak, 2001) and
oceanward of the salt limit (Leplac
Project). The Abimael Ridge is charac­
terized by a bathymetric reentrance be­
tween the Pelotas and Santos basins and
possibly corresponds to an aborted
spreading center. The Jean Charcot
seamounts are part of the major linea­
ment extending from the Rio Grande
Rise to the Cabo Frio Arch that sepa­
rates the Santos and Campos basins. The
thin yellow line shows the location of a
regional 2D seismic profile near the
boreholes BRSA-289 and BRSA-757 B.

2
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 2. Chrono-stratigraphic chart of the Santos Basin from the rift to the early drift phases (Early Cretaceous to Albian). In the Stratigraphy column the Itanhaém
Fm. extends from Cenomanian to Late Albian, overlying the carbonate rocks of the Guarujá Fm. (Albian). The siliciclastic rocks of the Itajaí-Açu Fm. were deposited
between the Late Cretaceous and the Cenomanian, and mark the deepening of the depositional environment.

sub-aerial basaltic lava flows that occur intercalated with the sedimen­ Santos Basin from the southern Campos Basin (Winter et al., 2007;
tary deposits of the late rift and sag phases, immediately below the salt Mohriak, 2020; Mohriak et al., 2021, 2022; Gordon et al., 2023). The
layers. Some researchers have suggested a magmatic event affecting the radiometric ages of the igneous plugs in the onshore region (adjacent to
late syn-rift and early post-rift sequences, including the Late Aptian salt the margin) are concentrated at the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene in­
(e.g., Kukla et al., 2018; Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon et al., 2023). terval, with ages ranging from 85 Ma to 55 Ma (Geraldes et al., 2013;
These igneous features occur as diabase sills and dykes intercalated with Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon et al., 2023). In the offshore region, the
sag basin sediments, at the base of the late Aptian evaporites, or even igneous plugs are concentrated in the Paleocene to Eocene interval
within salt layers (Mohriak et al., 2022; Gordon et al., 2023). (Geraldes et al., 2013; Gordon et al., 2023). Nonetheless, several plugs
According to plate reconstructions, this interval (around 118–115 related to the Santonian magmatic event are interpreted in the northern
Ma) approximately coincides with the inception of the oceanic crust in Santos Basin (e.g., Pinheiro et al., 2019; Magee et al., 2021).
the southern South Atlantic (Torsvik et al., 2009; Moulin et al., 2010;
Heine et al., 2013). Assuming that the oceanic propagator in the 2.1.2. Tectonostratigraphic evolution
southern Santos Basin split the salt deposits, this magmatic event might Fig. 2 shows a simplified interpretation of the tectono-sedimentary
span the interval from late Aptian to early Albian (Mohriak et al., 2008; events in the Santos Basin, based on the integration of the results of
Kukla et al., 2018; Mohriak, 2019a). exploratory boreholes and the seismic interpretation of regional seismic
datasets. Most authors recognize four tectonic phases of evolution in
2.1.1.3. Santonian magmatic phase. Following the establishment of most basins of the southeastern Brazilian margin: the pre-rift, the syn-
oceanic spreading centers in the southern South Atlantic, there are two rift, the post-rift or sag basin, and the drift phases (Moreira et al., 2007).
main post-breakup magmatic events during the drift phase of the
southeastern Brazilian margin, which are recognized in the Santos, 2.1.2.1. Pre-rift. The pre-rift phase is largely represented by Early
Campos, and Espírito Santo basins (Moreira et al., 2006, 2007; Oreiro, Cretaceous volcanism, ascribed to the Camboriú Fm. (Fig. 2). The broad
2006; Oreiro et al., 2008; Geraldes et al., 2013; Mohriak et al., 2021; occurrence of basaltic rocks in the Paraná-Etendeka province is often
Gordon et al., 2023). These have been dated as Santonian-Campanian associated with the impact of the Tristan da Cunha mantle plume in the
(90-80 Ma), particularly in the central to northern Santos Basin Early Cretaceous (Marzoli et al., 1999; Gibson et al., 2006; Quirk et al.,
(Oreiro, 2006; Moreira et al., 2006; Oreiro et al., 2008; Oliveira et al., 2012b), although the role of the mantle plume source is questioned by
2019a,b; Pinheiro et al., 2019), and as Paleogene (60-40 Ma), according geochemical studies (Rocha-Júnior et al., 2013;2020). Offshore, volca­
to most radiometric ages (Geraldes et al., 2013; Mohriak et al., 2021). nic rocks associated with this large igneous province (LIP) are mainly
recognized between the Pelotas and Campos basins (Gladczenko et al.,
2.1.1.4. Upper Cretaceous and paleogene magmatic event. The volcanic 1997; Jackson et al., 2000; Stica et al., 2014; Gordon and Mohriak,
rocks associated with the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene magmatic 2015; Mohriak et al., 2021), locally forming wedges of seaward-dipping
events prevail in the Cabo Frio High, which separates the northern reflectors (Jackson et al., 2000; Mohriak, 2003; Mohriak and Fainstein,
2012; Norton et al., 2016; McDermott et al., 2018).

3
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

2.1.2.2. Syn-rift. Large extensional faults formed deep lakes with 2.2. Geologic architecture
anoxic environments and controlled the syn-rift sedimentary sequences
(Chang et al., 1992; Oliveira et al., 2019a,b; Mello et al., 2021). These The main geological features in the southeastern segment of the
layers are overlain by a late rift phase that includes rich source rocks and Brazilian southeastern margin (Santos, Campos, and Espírito Santo ba­
coquinas deposited on the flanks of structural highs (Chang et al., 1992; sins) correspond to (1) the pre-Aptian hinge line, which is the boundary
Mohriak, 2003; Mello et al., 2021). of the rift strata in the proximal margin (2) the São Paulo Plateau,
The end of the rift phase is associated with fault reactivation in the characterized by a giant salt province with thick Late Aptian evaporite
uplifted blocks and erosion of their rift sequences. Such episodes resul­ deposits; (3) the Vitória-Trindade Ridge in the northern part of the
ted in the conspicuous Pre-Alagoas Unconformity (DPA; Karner, 2000; Espírito Santo Basin, corresponding to an E-W lineament associated with
Rodriguez et al., 2018; Pichel et al., 2020). This regional angular un­ several seamounts; (4) the Florianópolis Fracture Zone, a transform fault
conformity marks the beginning of the sag basin deposits, which are less located at the southernmost segment of the Santos Basin; (5) the Jean
controlled by basement faults (Karner and Gambôa, 2007). Charcot Seamounts, located eastward of the salt basin; and (6) the Rio
Grande Rise, located south of the Florianópolis Fracture Zone. Those
2.1.2.3. Post-rift. The post-rift phase is mainly characterized by thermal features are relevant to the tectono-sedimentary evolution, working as
subsidence and relative tectonic quiescence during the deposition of the limits for the rift and salt deposits (Fig. 1). Most of these features have
sag basin sediments. The pre-salt sag basin sequences (microbialite been addressed by several works in the past decades (e.g, Kumar and
rocks) correspond to the most important reservoir rocks in the Brazilian Gamboa, 1979; Ojeda, 1982; Gamboa and Rabinowitz, 1984; Chang
margin, as indicated by several giant hydrocarbon discoveries in the past et al., 1992; Cobbold et al., 2001; Meisling et al., 2001; Mohriak et al.,
decades (Petersohn and Abelha, 2013; Bruhn et al., 2017). The evaporite 2008, 2010; Davison et al., 2012; Kumar et al., 2012; Mohriak and
sequences are largely responsible for structuring the post-salt deposits of Fainstein, 2012; Stica et al., 2014; Szatmari and Milani, 2016; Galvão
the Santos and Campos basins, particularly the Albian carbonates and Castro, 2017; Praxedes et al., 2019; Szatmari et al., 2021; Mohriak
(Ojeda, 1982; Demercian et al., 1993; Quirk et al., 2012a, 2012b). et al., 2021, 2022).
Regarding the structural control on the sedimentary sequences, some A major NW-trending lineament, known as the Cruzeiro do Sul (or
basement-related faults affected both the syn-rift layers and the sag Southern Cross) Lineament, extends from the Rio Grande Rise to the
basin pre-salt layers, resulting in large offsets at the base of the Late Cabo Frio High, separating the Santos from the Campos Basin (Souza
Aptian salt horizon (Karner and Gambôa, 2007; Gamboa et al., 2009; et al., 1993). This lineament is marked by the Jean Charcot Seamounts,
Mohriak, 2019b). which occur oceanward of the distal salt limit of the Santos Basin
The first marine ingression in the proto-oceanic South Atlantic basin, (Mohriak et al., 1995, 2010, 2021).
between southeastern Brazil and West Africa, was controlled by a barrier Several other regional structures in the southern Santos Basin are
that was probably associated with the Florianópolis Fracture Zone at the related to the region analyzed in this work, such as the NW-trending
distal part of the São Paulo Plateau (Gamboa and Rabinowitz, 1984; Capricornio Lineament, extending from the north of the Florianópolis
Davison, 2007; Szatmari and Milani, 2016; Kukla et al., 2018; Farias Fracture Zone to the northern part of the Merluza Graben (e.g., Moulin
et al., 2019; Gamboa et al., 2021; Szatmari et al., 2021). et al., 2012; Klingelhoefer et al., 2015).
The São Paulo Plateau is characterized by a thick salt layer that can
2.1.2.4. Drift. The drift phase started during the Early Albian, following be divided into several salt tectonic domains in the Santos, Campos, and
the salt deposition episode and the formation of the oceanic crust (Kukla Espírito Santo basins (Demercian et al., 1993; Mohriak and Fainstein,
et al., 2018). Pods of oceanic crust were formed by Late Aptian–Early 2012). These include a region of thin residual salt in the proximal
Albian in SE Brazil, and the plates were separated by embryonic margin, near the rift border fault, which is usually interpreted as the
spreading centers, in a process that was probably similar to the Red Sea pre-Aptian limit or hinge line (Fig. 1). The proximal salt domain
development (Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Mohriak, 2014, 2019a; Gam­ (domain I) is characterized by a relatively thin layer of evaporites,
boa et al., 2021). resulting in a salt weld with post-salt sedimentary rocks directly over­
The oceanic crust onset was associated with several magmatic lying the pre-salt deposits (Cobbold et al., 2001; Meisling et al., 2001).
events, including distal seaward-dipping reflectors and magmatic cen­ The salt tectonic domain II is characterized by a slightly thicker salt layer
ters at the transition to the oceanic crust (Mohriak, 2001; Gordon and that locally may form salt pillows, domes, isolated diapirs, and
Mohriak, 2015). The oceanic crust in the southernmost South Atlantic mini-basins. Domains III and IV are associated with thicker salt and large
has been characterized by marine magnetic anomalies across the con­ halokinetic structures related to salt flow, resulting in extensional tec­
jugate margins (Torsvik et al., 2009; Moulin et al., 2010; Heine et al., tonics affecting the salt diapirs on the shelf and deepwater region, and
2013; Bird and Hall, 2016). However, the lack of linear marine magnetic compressional tectonics affecting the salt walls in the distal margin
anomalies throughout the Santos Basin does not allow the use of such an (Demercian et al., 1993; Mohriak, 2003; Davison, 2007; Mohriak and
oceanic-like magnetic pattern for clearly mapping the landward edge of Fainstein, 2012; Quirk et al., 2012a; Jackson et al., 2016). Domain V
oceanic-type volcanism. Several continental-oceanic crust boundaries corresponds to the oceanic crust, where autochthonous salt deposits are
have been proposed by different researchers (see Fig. 1). not observed, but some allochthonous salt tongues have advanced to­
The end of the basin restriction marked the beginning of the drift ward the oceanic crust (Demercian et al., 1993; Mohriak, 2003; Mohriak
phase (Tedeschi et al., 2017), . Marine ingressions flooded the transi­ et al., 2012, 2022).
tional and carbonate platform sediments between southeast Brazil and The continental-oceanic crust boundary (COB) is an elusive feature
southwest Africa, resulting in an overall basin deepening (Fig. 2), and with several alternative interpretations (Eagles et al., 2015). During the
the accumulation of deep-water sedimentary facies from the Late Albian 1980s and 1990s, Petrobras and the Brazilian Navy conducted the
to the Late Cretaceous (Spadini et al., 1988; Moreira et al., 2007). The LEPLAC project, which aimed at integrating the potential field and
transgressive sequence (Albian to Late Cretaceous) was succeeded by a seismic data in the oceanic region to determine the geological charac­
marine regressive sequence (Paleogene to Recent), with sedimentary teristics and the international limits of the Brazilian margin. The pro­
environments ranging from shallow to deep water (Pereira and Feijó, ject’s proposal for the COB in the Santos Basin is located near the
1994; Moreira et al., 2006, 2007). Florianópolis Fracture Zone, oceanward of the distal salt limit (Gomes,
1992). Alternative interpretations have been proposed by several other
researchers, including Gladczenko et al. (1997), Mohriak (2001), Moh­
riak et al. (2008, 2010), Kumar et al. (2012), Müller et al. (2016, 2019),
and Stanton et al. (2019).

4
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

The Abimael Ridge (AR) corresponds to a prominent structural volcanic rocks (BRSA-289), the salt layers in the distal salt wall, the pre-
feature that is probably associated with an aborted spreading center or salt sediments and igneous rocks, and constrain the geophysical
oceanic propagator that advanced from the Pelotas to the Santos Basin interpretation.
during the latest Aptian and earliest Albian (Mohriak, 2001; Mohriak The borehole BRSA-289 penetrated Late Cretaceous (Santonian)
et al., 2008; Mohriak and Fainstein, 2012; Kukla et al., 2018; Neuharth sedimentary sequences in a mini-basin drilled near the shelfbreak
et al., 2021; Pichel et al., 2021). The feature corresponds to a V-shaped (Magee et al., 2021). The borehole was useful for calibrating the strat­
structure that is well-defined by gravity and magnetic anomalies. Some igraphic markers in the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume, located in the
alternative interpretations for the AR include volcanic rocks on the central part of the Santos Basin, and the regional 2D seismic line that
continental crust (Karner, 2000; Meisling et al., 2001), a proto-oceanic extends to the deep water region. The borehole SPS-68B (BRSA-757 B)
crust (Gomes et al., 2012), or even exhumed mantle rocks (Zalán drilled the thick stratified evaporite layers in a salt wall located at the
et al., 2011). distal part of the margin. This borehole corresponds to a prospect
(Thebas) that targeted the pre-salt microbialite reservoirs. The borehole
3. Database and methods drilled thick evaporite sequences and a layer of Cenomanian to Albian
rocks below the Aptian salt, which was not predicted at the prospect
3.1. Potential field datasets location. The borehole penetrated the top of the volcanic layers in the
pre-salt sequence, which was interpreted as the volcanic basement.
The geophysical interpretation of the main structures in the southern
part of the Santos Basin is based on the integration of multiple geological 4. Results
and geophysical datasets. These include the publicly available topo-
bathymetric and potential field data, particularly the satellite topog­ 4.1. Gravity and magnetics
raphy and bathymetry, gravity free-air, and the total field magnetic
anomalies (e.g., Balmino et al., 2011; Bonvalot et al., 2012; GEBCO, 4.1.1. Map interpretation
2019; Maus et al., 2009). This study analyzed several gravity and magnetic profiles along the
The regional Bouguer anomaly map was obtained by using free-air central part of the basin, coinciding with the seismic reflection lines.
anomalies and bathymetric data from Sandwell et al. (2014, 2022). These profiles extend from the rift border fault to the deep water region
Calculations were done using Python algorithms (Uieda et al., 2013, near the continent-ocean boundary (Figs. 1 and 3). The Bouguer
Uieda, 2018, 2020) and considering a density contrast of 1900 kg/m3. anomaly exhibits two main compartments. The proximal extends from
For the local interpretation and modeling, we applied marine potential the continental shelf toward the distal salt wall, where the borehole
field data (ANP dataset 0258_2D_SPEC_BM_S). The magnetic anomaly BRSA-757 B was drilled on a pre-salt high (Fig. 4). The gravity anomaly
was reduced to the pole (Baranov and Naudy, 1964) according to local shows a mean value between 10 and 20 mGal in this segment of the
field parameters (inclination and declination of − 37.5 and − 20.4◦ , seismic profiles. Oceanward of the borehole, the anomalies are much
respectively). The Bouguer anomaly was filtered using the Butterworth higher, ranging from 50 to 80 mGal (Fig. 4). Therefore, from a regional
frequency filter (e.g., Butterworth, 1930), with a curve of power of 8 and perspective, we observed that the well SPS-68B (BRSA-757 B) was
125 km for the inflection point of the wavenumber cutoff. Comple­ located on a regional high characterized by a broad change in the crust.
mentarily, gravity and magnetic models were done in the Oasis Montaj The high is located near the western limit of the AR, where the marine
software in the Regional line, aiming at illustrating the influence of deep Bouguer anomaly data reach values of about +50 mGal (Figs. 3 and 4).
volcanic rocks: a 2D gravity model using the GMSYS2D tool, as well as a There are also high-amplitude gravity anomalies associated with the
3D magnetic inversion using the VOXI module (Fig. 8). Other filtering Florianópolis Fracture Zone. These anomalies exhibit a regional E-W
processes were also developed in the same software. On both filtered trend, following the transform fault direction in the oceanic crust
data (Fig. 8-B and 8-D), the lineaments were marked according to the (Fig. 3). NE-trending lineaments associated with the gravity and mag­
location of high anomaly gradients. netic anomalies correspond to major fault zones related to the Early
In addition, the delimitation of the continental-oceanic crust Cretaceous rift event (Cobbold et al., 2001; Meisling et al., 2001; Stanton
boundary (COB) has been compiled from Petrobras and Brazilian Navy et al., 2019).
reports (particularly the Leplac project), and publiclly available inter­ The NW-trending transverse zones locally display gravity and mag­
national datasets (Gomes, 1992; Müller et al., 2016, 2019; Pérez-Díaz netic anomalies with en echelon patterns, which probably correspond to
and Eagles, 2017). transfer fault zones or magmatic lineaments (e.g., Mohriak et al., 2010;
Jackson et al., 2015a, b; Dooley et al., 2015b; Stanton et al., 2019). As
3.2. Seismic and borehole data some of the magnetic anomalies may be associated with the Early
Cretaceous dykes and lava flows, these transversal structures were
This study incorporates the analysis of some regional 2D seismic active during the rift phase and controlled the development of the
profiles that are part of an extensive seismic survey that covers most of lacustrine depocenters in the Santos and Campos basins (Mohriak, 2003;
the basin (Santos Basin–Survey 258). Near the shelf break of the central Milani and Szatmari, 2016; Stanton et al., 2019). Some major
Santos Basin, the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume has been analyzed and NW-trending lineaments are observed on the oceanic crust and extend
mapped in detail by Magee et al. (2021), resulting in the identification of into the continental crust, suggesting the reactivation of weakness zones
several igneous features in the region of the exploratory borehole SPS-39 during the drift phase, such as the Cruzeiro do Sul lineament (Mohriak
(or BRSA-289 according to ANP designation), which was drilled by and Fainstein, 2012; Stanton et al., 2019).
Petrobras. The prospect borehole was located near the shelf edge and
aimed at testing Late Cretaceous turbidite reservoirs in a mini-basin. 4.2. Seismic interpretation of the Southern Santos Basin
The aim of this study was to investigate the magmatism and salt
structures in the distal margin. The interpretation of a 2D regional For the regional seismic interpretation, line 258–1435 was been
seismic line (Fig. 1) was tied to the stratigraphic markers from the depth-migrated, and the interpretation was calibrated by the results of
exploratory well. The distal salt wall in the deep water region was drilled the exploratory boreholes that project onto the seismic line (Fig. 1). The
by borehole SPS-68B (or BRSA-757 B). This exploratory borehole cor­ regional seismic line extends from the Pre-Aptian hinge line toward the
responds to the Thebas prospect, which targeted the pre-salt micro­ ultra-deepwater region in the central part of the Santos Basin (Fig. 4).
bialite rocks. These two boreholes project along the regional 2D seismic Other NW-SE trending seismic lines parallel to this profile have been
line and are important because they penetrated the post-breakup used in the analysis, such as lines 258–1425 and 258–1427, which are

5
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 3. Bouguer anomaly map (reduced from Free-Air gravity anomaly using sediment density 1900 kg/m3). The map shows some important tectonic limits (pre-
Aptian hinge-line, continent-ocean boundary, distal salt limit, Florianópolis Fracture Zone, and the Jean Charcot seamounts. The distal limit of the salt basin is shown
by a purple line. The location of the regional seismic line 258–1435 is shown by the yellow line, and the exploratory boreholes discussed in the text (BRSA-289 and
BRSA-757 B) are shown by white dots.

Fig. 4. Bottom (A): Segment of a regional 2-D seismic line (258–1435) in the southern central Santos Basin, calibrated by the exploratory boreholes BRSA-289 and
BRSA-757 B. Top (B): The simplified interpretation is cross-plotted with the Bouguer gravity anomaly.

located closer to the exploratory wells BRSA-289 and BRSA-757 B well drilled several volcanic layers in the Santonian sequence, corrob­
(Fig. 1). orating the seismic interpretation of a Late Cretaceous magmatic event.
The proximal borehole BRSA-289 calibrated the interpretation of the The high impedance contrasts recorded in the seismic data correlate to
volcanic features in the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume. The exploratory the igneous intrusive and extrusive layers drilled by the borehole (e.g.,

6
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Magee et al., 2021). The second hypothesis assumed the strong reflector is related to car­
The seismic analysis was extended to the distal margin, where the bonate lenses within the salt, as the borehole in the distal salt wall
salt layers are stratified, much thicker, and form elongated salt walls (BRSA-757 B) drilled evaporite rocks both above and below the car­
(Jackson et al., 2015a, 2015b, 2016). The strong impedance contrast bonate layer, which might represent a carbonate stringer or raft (Fig. 6-
observed within the distal salt wall was initially attributed to a sill or B). The third hypothesis assumed the borehole drilled a salt canopy near
dyke within the Aptian evaporite layers (Fig. 5). Similar strong reflectors the boundary between the salt basin and a swath of neo-formed volcanic
within the stratified salt layer have been attributed to carbonate or basement, similar to the interpretation of a nearby borehole (SPS-90)
anhydrite lenses within the Aptian salt, as initially proposed in the that also provided hard rock evidence for Albian strata encapsulated by
Thebas prospect. However, the drilling results of the borehole salt (Mohriak et al., 2022). The limit between the distal salt wall and the
BRSA-757 B indicated the presence of Cenomanian to Albian carbonate swath of the neo-formed oceanic crust, where salt deposits are absent,
layers intercalated with the layered evaporites. This fact raised the hy­ was interpreted as an almost vertical limit (Fig. 6-C).
pothesis that the strong reflector near the base of the salt wall might
correspond to an Albian carbonate layer encapsulated by the evaporite 4.2.1. Interpretation of post-salt igneous features
sequences. Alternatively, the strong reflector could correspond to The Late Cretaceous magmatic events in the central to southern
pre-salt horizons, including the microbialite carbonate rocks and vol­ Santos Basin are well-imaged by 2D and 3D seismic data that are cali­
canic layers in the pre-salt sequences (Fig. 2). brated by exploratory boreholes drilled in several segments of the basin
In general, the Albian carbonate rocks overlie the Late Aptian (e.g., Oreiro, 2006; Oreiro et al., 2008). Particularly in the shelfbreak
stratified evaporites in the Santos Basin. The lowermost salt sequences region, the Santonian magmatism has been mapped in the Ilha Bela 3D
are composed of anhydrite layers that directly overlie the pre-salt seismic volume and several volcanic features identified seismically are
microbialites or igneous rocks associated with a pre-rift or late rift vol­ calibrated by the exploratory well BRSA-289 (Magee et al., 2021).
canic episode (e.g., Gamboa et al., 2009; Mohriak et al., 2012; Jackson The post-rift magmatic event is poorly characterized in the regional
et al., 2015a, b, 2016). 2D seismic line 258–1435 (Fig. 4). However, the igneous features are
The unusual stratigraphy drilled by the BRSA-757 B borehole, with constrained by the results of the exploratory borehole BRSA-289 (SPS-
thick salt deposits above and below the strong reflector, led to three 39). The borehole was drilled in a mini-basin that is marked by a domal
alternative hypotheses (Fig. 6). The first hypothesis (Fig. 6-A) assumed structure at the top of the Santonian horizon (Fig. 5). The volcanic li­
the strong reflector is related to an igneous post-salt sill or dyke, similar thologies drilled by the borehole include several layers of volcanoclastic
to the sills observed in the borehole BRSA-289, located nearby (Fig. 5). rocks, basalt, and diabase sills (Fig. 7).

Fig. 5. Schematic interpretation of the central part of a regional 2D seismic line (258–1427) extending from the shelf break to the deep water region. The Ilha Bela
3D seismic volume covers the region of the exploratory borehole BRSA-289, which proved the presence of igneous rocks intruded into the Late Cretaceous sequences.
The exploratory borehole BRSA-757 B was located on the distal salt wall, above a basement high. This work discussed three possible interpretations for the strong
reflector within the salt mass. The results of the exploratory well indicate a stratigraphic anomaly in the basin, marked by inversion of the depositional sequences, as
the Albian carbonate rocks were drilled below the Aptian salt mass. Below the deepest anhydrite layer in the salt wall, the borehole penetrated some microbialite
rocks above the basaltic rocks interpreted as the volcanic basement.

7
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

The strong impedance contrast observed within the distal salt wall
drilled by borehole BRSA-757 B (Fig. 5) resembles the igneous sills
imaged in the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume, located nearby (Magee et al.,
2021). The interpretation of a post-breakup igneous sill or dyke is sug­
gested by the results of the BRSA-289 exploratory well (Fig. 6). This
borehole penetrated several volcanic levels associated with the Ilha Bela
Mb. Of the Itajaí-Açu Fm., which correspond to the Santonian sequence
sediments (Fig. 2). The igneous layers include sills and volcanoclastic
deposits sourced from volcanic constructions imaged in the 3D seismic
volume (Magee et al., 2021).

4.2.2. Salt tectonics

The regional seismic line (Fig. 4) shows three main compartments in
the southern Santos Basin. The proximal part is characterized by
extensional salt tectonics and the formation of mini-basins. One of these
mini-basins was drilled by borehole BRSA-289 (Fig. 5). The central part
of the regional seismic line is characterized by a ramp at the base of the
salt reflector climbing up basinward, toward the region where the distal
salt wall was drilled by the borehole BRSA-757 B (Fig. 4). The central
part of the regional seismic line, basinward of the exploratory well,
shows a depressed base of salt and some diapiric salt structures.
Oceanward, the base of salt is much higher, and the elongated salt walls
are part of a compressional salt tectonic province. This province extends
to the oceanic crust boundary, where autochthonous salt is not observed
(Demercian et al., 1993; Mohriak, 2003; Mohriak et al., 2008, 2010).

4.2.3. Analysis of alternative hypotheses for the strong intrasalt reflector

The non-unique interpretations of 2D seismic data, when uncon­
strained by borehole results, can lead to pitfalls in the petroleum
exploration industry. This work discusses some alternative in­
terpretations for the stratigraphic column drilled by the borehole BRSA-
757 B, each with analogs in the Santos Basin and other basins
worldwide.
The most viable hypotheses for the strong amplitude anomaly in the
distal salt wall drilled by the borehole BRSA-757 B include (1) the
possibility of an igneous sill within the salt wall (Fig. 6-A), related to a
post-salt magmatic event, similar to the nearby well BRSA-289 (Fig. 7);
(2) carbonate lenses embedded within the halite layer (Fig. 6-B), as
indicated by the lithologies drilled by the borehole (Fig. 7), and (3) pre-
salt carbonate rocks or volcanic layers (Fig. 6-C).
The first hypothesis was based on the identification of sills within
Late Cretaceous strata in the proximal borehole BRSA-289 (Magee et al.,
2021). Consequently, the strong reflector near the base of the thick salt
mass might correspond to a post-salt igneous sill (Fig. 6-A).
The Thebas prospect (SPS-68) drilling project assumed some strong
reflectors might correspond to intrasalt anhydrite layers. The analysis of
the electric logs and ditch samples recovered from the well indicated
that an Albian to Cenomanian carbonate layer was encased within the
salt mass. The stratigraphic anomaly, although not considered in the
prospect drilling program, has some analogs in other basins. There are
many examples of carbonate stringers and rafts in salt basins worldwide,
forming conspicuous reflectors within the salt layers. For example, in the
South Oman salt basin, these stringers are encased in Precambrian
evaporite rocks and locally constitute a productive hydrocarbon play (e.
g., Al-Siyabi, 2005). This fact led to a second hypothesis, assuming the
conspicuous seismic anomaly might correspond to an Albian carbonate
Fig. 6. Schematic diagram illustrating the alternative interpretations for the stringer or raft intercalated with the lowermost evaporite layers
strong reflector in the distal salt wall of the Santos Basin. Hypothesis (A) as­ (Fig. 6-B).
sumes the strong reflector corresponds to an igneous sill within the salt layer; In the Gulf of Mexico, several boreholes have proved the occurrence
(B) assumes carbonate rafts or stringers within the salt; and (C) assumes a of post-salt blocks of carbonate rocks encapsulated within the salt layers.
carbonate raft below and above the salt and some pre-salt microbialite deposits According to Fiduk et al. (2014), one possible geologic mechanism for
above the volcanic basement. displacing Mesozoic carbonates from their normal position and trans­
porting them as rafts involves allochthonous salt canopies lifting the
blocks above adjacent mini-basin strata. However, in the South Atlantic,
most of the carbonate rafts overlie the autochthonous salt layers and are
associated with the listric detachment faults that separate the salt from

8
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 7. Left (A): Electric logs and lithologic column of the exploratory borehole SPS-39 (BRSA-289) drilled near the shelf break. The volcanic rocks drilled by the
borehole are associated with the Santonian sequences (Ilha Bela Mb. of the Itajaí-Açu Fm.).Right (B): Electric logs and lithologic column of the exploratory borehole
SPS-68B (BRSA-757B) drilled on a distal salt wall above a basement high in the southern Santos Basin. The borehole penetrated a thick salt mass above Albian-
Cenomanian carbonate rocks and returned to the evaporite sequences before penetrating the pre-salt sequences. The borehole was stopped after drilling 20 m of
volcanic rocks

the overburden (Demercian et al., 1993; Mohriak and Fainstein, 2012; 5.1. Geophysical interpretation
Mohriak et al., 2012).
The third alternative hypothesis assumed the Albian carbonate rocks 5.1.1. Potential field maps
were enveloped by a salt apophysis or canopy. This hypothesis is sup­ The detailed maps showing the comparison of the Bouguer gravity
ported by the results of a nearby borehole (SPS-90 or BRSA-1050), anomaly from marine data, the filtered Bouguer anomaly, and the
drilled in the southernmost part of the Santos Basin (Mohriak et al., magnetic anomalies (total field and filtered) (Fig. 8) highlight the
2022). The salt overhang might cover the Cenomanian to Albian pack­ contrast between the regions where the wells BRSA-289 and BRSA-757 B
ages due to compressional tectonics (Fig. 6-C). To our knowledge, there were located. These maps indicate a direct relationship between the
are only two boreholes in the Santos Basin where Albian carbonates potential field datasets and some structures in the Southern Santos
have been encapsulated by salt masses. Both the BRSA-1050 and the Basin, particularly the Abimael Ridge (AR).
BRSA-757 B exploratory wells were located on structural highs at the Near the Pre-Aptian hinge line, high-amplitude changes in the Bou­
distal part of the basin, near the western edge of the gravity and mag­ guer anomaly were previously associated with the crustal necking and
netic anomaly interpreted as an aborted spreading center (Mohriak Moho uplifts by several authors (e.g., Cobbold et al., 2001; Meisling
et al., 2022). et al., 2001; Stanton et al., 2019). However, the abrupt change in the
gravity values near the well BRSA-757 B seems to be accompanied by an
5. Discussion increment in the magmatic budget at the transition to a volcanic base­
ment. Therefore, this gravity change may be related to the beginning of a
We present an overview of potential field characteristics in the volcanic-rich phase in the substratum of the Santos Basin. The abun­
studied area and a seismic interpretation of the igneous features drilled dance of magmatic bodies in the area is probably related to its proximity
by the boreholes BRSA-289 and BRSA-757 B. The interpretations were to the oceanic propagator (Fig. 8).
based on the regional knowledge of the volcanic episodes recognized in Although the well near the shelf edge (BRSA-289) was affected by
the southern Santos Basin (e.g., Moreira et al., 2006, 2007; Oreiro, 2006; several sills and dykes, the gravity and magnetic anomalies are subdued,
Oreiro et al., 2008; Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon et al., 2023). and do not reflect the presence of the volcanic layers. Near borehole
BRSA-757 B, strong gravity and magnetic anomalies are observed in the

9
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 8. Potential field maps from marine acquisition data showing the Bouguer anomaly (A), filtered Bouguer anomaly (B), total field magnetic anomaly (C), and
filtered, reduced to the pole magnetic anomaly (D). The filtered Bouguer anomaly was created with Butterworth frequency filter (cutoff wavelength = 125 km,
polynomial degree = 8). The location of the regional 2D seismic line 258–1435 is shown by the yellow line. The locations of the exploratory boreholes BRSA-289 and
BRSA-757 B are shown by white dots. Dashed white line: Abimael Ridge (AR). AR is based on +90 mGal contour line, and it is characterized by a high amplitude
positive Bouguer anomaly and a negative magnetic anomaly. Note that the northern part of the AR is located within the salt basin, whereas the southern part is
devoid of salt deposits.

region of the AR. The Bouguer anomaly is strongly positive, and the reflection packages, implying they have thicknesses of <39 m and <67
magnetic anomaly is negative, indicating large density and magnetiza­ m depending on their location above or within the salt, respectively, and
tion contrasts (Fig. 8). display saucer-shaped or inclined sheet geometries (Magee et al., 2021;
Gordon et al., 2023). Two of the sills interpreted above the salt horizon
5.1.2. Seismic interpretation and the exploratory drilling results are intersected by well BRSA-289. The composite logs describing the
The exploratory borehole BRSA-289 was drilled in the shelf break of drilled lithologies indicate the sills have a diabase texture and mafic
the central part of the Santos Basin (Fig. 9). The prospect aimed at composition, and the petrophysical logs suggest that volcaniclastic
testing a mini-basin forming an anticlinal structure at the Upper Creta­ components predominate in the volcanic succession (Fig. 7). There is
ceous level (Fig. 5). The seismic data indicates the presence of many seismic evidence that the volcanic layers drilled by the borehole
post-salt igneous sills and dykes, associated with the Santonian BRSA-289 correspond to volcanoclastic deposits with debris flows
magmatic event. The following discussion is mainly based on the results sourced from nearby volcanoes formed during a Santonian magmatic
of the 3D seismic mapping by Magee et al. (2021) and subsequent event (Magee et al., 2021; Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon et al., 2023).
seismic interpretation using regional 2D seismic lines extending to the In addition to sills, several eye-shaped structures can be recognized
region of the distal salt wall. Within the 3D survey, 38 sills were mapped; in the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume (Magee et al., 2021). Some have an
and of these, 18 are located above the salt. In the region of the Merluza erosive, crater-like base and a convex, upward-facing top surface above
Graben, where the salt thickness is < 1s TWT, most sills and dykes the sills. Some of the igneous features imaged in the 3D survey are
primarily occur above the trace of the salt horizon, and 18 occur within inferred to be potential hydrothermal vents related to magmatic activity
the salt, often in stock flanks (Figs. 9 and 10). Only two sills were (Correia et al., 2019; Magee et al., 2021; Mohriak et al., 2021; Gordon
mapped below the base of the salt reflector (Magee et al., 2021). et al., 2023). Their stratigraphic position and the onlap onto these
Most igneous intrusions in the Santos Basin are expressed as tuned possible vents indicate that the deepest sills likely formed during the

10
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 9. Top: regional map with the location of a regional 2D seismic profile in the southern part of the Santos Basin (Line 258–1427). Two exploratory boreholes
calibrate the seismic interpretation: the BRSA-289 and the BRSA-757 B wells. Ilha Bela 3D seismic survey is located at the northern part of the regional profile, near
the shelf break. The inset map shows the polygon with the coordinates of the 3D seismic volume corners. Bottom: Seismic visualization of the volcanic bodies in the
Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume.

Albian-to-Turonian magmatic episode, whereas the shallower vents reflector (Fig. 6-A) would only be viable if the reflector corresponded to
formed during the Santonian (Magee et al., 2021). a post-salt sill or intra-salt carbonate and evaporite lenses (Fig. 6-B). The
Where the 2D seismic lines cross sills in the 3D survey, we observe BRSA-757 B borehole results corroborate the interpretation that the
that their seismic expressions are similar, lending confidence to the lowermost anhydrite is an autochthonous salt layer but do not eliminate
interpretation that other tuned, high-amplitude, positive polarity, in­ the possibility of some pre-salt sedimentary sequences below an igneous
clined reflections within the salt wall drilled by the exploratory well sill.
BRSA-757 B could be related to sills (Fig. 6-A). This possibility is sup­ The exploratory borehole displays an abnormal stratigraphic inver­
ported by the intersection of basalts at the base of the well, where the sion, characterized by a thick sequence of stratified evaporites overlying
volcanic rocks coincide with a high-amplitude reflection (Fig. 5). some layers of post-salt sediments, corresponding to the Itajai Fm. Sili­
However, we acknowledge that from the available well data, it is diffi­ ciclastic rocks and the Albian carbonate rocks of the Guarujá Fm.
cult to assess whether these igneous rocks are intrusive or extrusive, as (Fig. 7). These Albian carbonate rocks might correspond to rafts formed
only a 20 m section was drilled by the exploratory well (Fig. 7). The during an early phase of salt mobilization and overlain by allochthonous
results of the distal borehole BRSA-757 B, drilled on the salt wall to the salt (Fig. 6-B). Alternatively, the borehole might have penetrated non-
west of the AR, indicate that the carbonate rocks drilled below the mobilized carbonate rocks enveloped by an allochthonous salt apoph­
lowermost anhydrite bed correspond to microbialite sequences (Fig. 7). ysis, formed adjacent to the salt wall flank that was affected by
Consequently, the interpretation of evaporite layers below the strong compressional tectonics (Fig. 6-C).

11
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Fig. 10. Segments of the Ilha Bela 3D seismic volume with the location of the profiles in the depth slices. The borehole BRSA-289 confirmed the presence of igneous
rocks within the Late Cretaceous sedimentary sequences. The magmatic features correspond to igneous sills, volcanoclastic strata, volcanic centers, and hydro­
thermal vents.

12
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Oceanward, the base of the salt horizon is more elevated, and large modeling procedures are based on assuming polygons with different
salt walls are observed. Locally, in the compressional salt province densities and magnetic properties (Talwani and Heirtzler, 1964; Talwani
adjacent to the COB, some igneous fingers penetrated the easternmost et al., 1959; Won and Bevis, 1987). According to the model, the salt
salt walls oceanward of the trough, in a region characterized by a pos­ masses were separated by neo-formed or proto-oceanic crust marked by
itive Bouguer anomaly plateau with high values (Fig. 4). volcanic build-ups, and post-salt igneous intrusions affecting the over­
burden. The seismic data suggests a deep trough controlled by
5.1.3. Gravity model of the regional seismic profile basemen-involved normal faults, resulting in a depression with the base
To elucidate the tectonic setting of the region to the east of the distal of the salt reflector much deeper in the region to the north of the oceanic
salt wall, this work presents a gravity model that suggests the possibility propagator. As this region is within the salt basin, some thick salt masses
of discontinuous salt layers in the distal margin of the Santos Basin. The are present (Fig. 4).

Fig. 11. Gravity and magnetic modeling along the main studied line. A: Simplified gravity model of the regional seismic line (258–1425), assuming a density
distribution of mantle, crust, salt, and sediments. The right-side inset shows the location of the profile and the gravity anomalies. B: Simplified magnetic model from a
3-D unconstrained inversion model. The right-side inset shows the location of the profile and the magnetic anomalies. The salt wall drilled by borehole BRSA-757 B
(near km 177 in the profile) is characterized by a steeply rising Bouguer anomaly. The maximum Bouguer anomaly (>80 mGal) coincides with the axis of the Abimael
Ridge, which corresponds to an oceanic propagator that split the salt structures, forming a proto-oceanic crust with large volcanoes along the ridge axis. The trough is
located between the salt wall drilled by borehole BRSA-757 B and the salt wall near km 264 of the profile. The trough between the separated salt walls is marked by a
positive gravity anomaly and a high-amplitude negative magnetic anomaly.

13
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

The maximum positive Bouguer anomaly along the 2D gravity model The gravity and magnetic models (Fig. 11) indicate that salt deposits
profile coincides with the location of the AR axis, corroborating the are absent in the region above the plug-like feature. Some segments of
interpretation that the salt masses were separated by a high-density the oceanic propagator indicate the substratum corresponds to a neo-
intrusion associated with the V-shaped anomaly (Mohriak and Leroy, formed volcanic basement directly overlain by the post-salt sediments
2012; Mohriak, 2014, 2019a). (Mohriak et al., 2008, 2014,2019a).

Fig. 12. Top (A): Gravity Vertical Gradient map of the southern region of the Santos Basin, showing the continent-boundary limits according to different in­
terpretations, and the southernmost limit of the salt basin. The exploratory borehole BRSA-757 B (SPS–068 B) is located on the line L1435, southeast of the Merluza
Graben and near the Abimael Ridge.
Botom (B): Schematic tectonic interpretation of a segment of the regional seismic line (258–1435) calibrated by the exploratory borehole BRSA-757 B (SPS–068 B)
drilled southeast of the Merluza Graben. The regional seismic line extends from the shelf break to the region oceanward of the salt limit. The segment near the distal
borehole shows the separation of the two salt masses in the region of the Abimael Ridge. Some allochthonous salt structures are related to salt flow toward the axial
trough of a proto-oceanic crust.

14
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

The Bouguer profile is characterized by a broad positive anomaly in Moho rises to shallow depths in the region of the oceanic propagator, but
the AR area, which was modeled (2D gravity model) mainly as an up­ there is no evidence of mantle outcrops, as postulated by some authors
welling crust-mantle interface. In the 2D model, two relatively dense (Mohriak et al., 2008; Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Gomes et al., 2012).
crustal segments were interpreted over the AR (Fig. 11-A). Three hypotheses can be put forward for the origin of this structural
The magnetic anomaly in the region of the AR is characterized by high separating the two salt masses. The first assumes a pre-existing
negative values, flanked by positive anomalies. The section extracted igneous massif predating the salt deposition. The second assumes a
from the 3D magnetic model indicates insignificant variations in the neo-formed volcanic basement due to incipient oceanic spreading cen­
magnetic susceptibility on the continental shelf and slope (Fig. 11-B). ters, as suggested for the regions in the oceanic propagator where salt is
The possible variability in the magnetic properties of these rocks in the absent. Alternatively, the base of the salt horizon might have been offset
region to the east of the BRSA-757 B allows a speculative interpretation by normal faults affecting a rifted continental crust, resulting in salt
of strong remnant magnetization. However, it will only be confirmed by domes within the trough. The elongated salt wall drilled by the borehole
further specific studies of the magnetization vector of these sources. The BRSA-757 B overlies the pre-salt sequences, and the borehole penetrated
abundance of magnetic sources reinforces the extensive volcanic the top of the underlying volcanic rocks. These results suggest the
percolation landward from the oceanic crustal limit. The gravity borehole was located in a highly thinned continental crust or transi­
gradient map (Fig. 12-A) suggests the AR is flanked by negative anom­ tional crust, similar to other pre-salt prospects in the basin, such as the
alies. The igneous structures are aligned with the E-W direction of the giant Tupi discovery (Mello et al., 2021).
Florianópolis Fracture Zone, while other features exhibit an NW-SE The gravity model shows the maximum Bouguer anomaly in the AR
trend, such as the Capricórnio Lineament (Moulin et al., 2012; Klingel­ area is located on a basement depression, where the base of the salt
hoefer et al., 2015). horizon (or its equivalent reflector) is much deeper than in the adjacent
From the middle of the section to the east, the magnetic section regions. Some igneous intrusions are separating the salt masses north of
shows remarkable susceptibility anomalies within the crust. The AR the distal salt limit, and probably correspond to post-salt igneous plugs
seems to be limited by two positive susceptibility anomalies. Landward, intruding the continental crust (Karner, 2000; Meisling et al., 2001).
the basement has no significant predicted anomalies in this profile Eastward of the oceanic propagator, the seismic data and the gravity
(Fig. 11-B). The area of the borehole BRSA-289, although intruded by model corroborate the interpretation of large salt structures overlying a
several igneous features, is characterized by negative magnetic values, crust with unknown affinity, but much thicker than the region of the
with subdued magnetic contrasts (Fig. 8-C and 8-D), although an N–S oceanic propagator (Fig. 11). A compressional salt province extends
trend related to the Merluza Graben can be recognized. This trend is also towards the continent-ocean boundary (Davison et al., 2012; Mohriak
identified on the gravity vertical gradient map (Fig. 12-A). and Fainstein, 2012).
The transitional crustal zone may represent the beginning of
magmatic additions at the end of the continental crust. Only a few sill 5.1.5. Seismic interpretation and the results of the BRSA-757 B borehole
units were interpreted into the salt layer in the 2D model, which seems Basinward of the 3D seismic volume (Fig. 6), borehole BRSA-757 B
to be significant for this gravity data. However, numerous bright re­ was drilled through one of the largest salt walls above a climbing base of
flectors within the salt layer indicate the possibility of several magmatic the salt ramp in the southern Santos Basin (Fig. 4). The salt structure is
intrusions in this area. characterized by a thick mass of halite with some anhydrite lenses, as
proposed in the Thebas prospect drilling program. However, the bore­
5.1.4. General remarks on gravity and magnetic interpretation hole unexpectedly penetrated a thick layer of post-salt lithologies
In the transition from continental to neo-formed oceanic crust, there (Itanhaem and Guarujá Fm. Marls and carbonate rocks) below the salt
is an eastward increase in magnetic amplitudes, and the occurrence of mass (Fig. 7).
predicted magnetized crust accompanies the transition from sialic crust One possible interpretation for the strong reflector within the salt
to a more magmatic crustal domain. The high magnetic susceptibility of wall assumed an igneous sill within the salt wall (Fig. 6-A). The 2-D
the crust (intermediate domain in the middle of the profile) can be either seismic data suggest some coherent reflectors could represent the pre-
the response of highly intruded crust or an intruded (?) serpentinized salt sedimentary rocks below the volcanic rocks penetrated by the
mantle, as postulated by some authors (e.g., Zalán et al., 2011). Con­ borehole at total depth (Fig. 7).
cerning the possibility of exhuming the upper mantle in this interme­ The petrophysical logs and the post-mortem analysis of the borehole
diate area, we also expect high magnetization of the serpentinized BRSA-757 B suggest these volcanic rocks correspond to the volcanic
mantle (e.g., Oufi et al., 2002; Bronner et al., 2011; Szameitat et al., basement (Camboriú Fm.). Although several boreholes have proven the
2020). However, the strong magmatic character of this area, suggested occurrence of igneous sills within the evaporite and in the pre-salt layers
by several basic intrusions in the overlying strata, favors the existence of (see Kangxuet al., 2019; Pinheiro et al., 2019; Ren et al., 2019; Gordon
magmatic additions within the crust (Mohriak and Leroy, 2012). The et al., 2023), the sill hypothesis does not comply with the drilling results
borehole BRSA-757 B provides hard rock evidence of a volcanic sub­ of the well. The upper carbonate rocks above the salt are Albian to
stratum underlying the pre-salt sequences in the distal margin (Fig. 7). Cenomanian carbonates. The borehole drilled a thick evaporite
The non-uniqueness of the geophysical interpretation and modeling sequence and a lowermost anhydrite layer above the pre-salt micro­
does not allow confirmation of the nature of the crustal basement. bialite rocks, which overlie the volcanic rocks. We suggest that the
Despite that, it is reasonable to consider the crustal segment over the lowermost anhydrite corresponds to an autochthonous evaporite layer
Abimael Propagator as an embryonic oceanic domain. Two possible directly overlying the microbialite deposits. On the other hand, the more
Neogene analogs can be envisaged: the Atlantis Deep in the central Red homogeneous salt layer above the Albian carbonate rocks is character­
Sea and the Mabahiss Deep in the northern Red Sea (Mohriak, 2019a). ized by a seismically transparent zone, corresponding to allochthonous
The Chenaillet Ophiolite of the Alps provides a field analog for transi­ salt.
tional or neo-formed oceanic crust during the Mesozoic continental The preferred interpretation after the analysis of the different hy­
breakup (Manatschal et al., 2011). These regions mark an embryonic potheses is that the dipping strong reflectors correspond to the pre-salt
oceanic crust preceding the phase of organized spreading centers in the microbialite layers, or the volcanic basement (Fig. 6-C). Consequently,
true oceanic crust. Some common characteristics have been recognized the borehole results support the third hypothesis, which assumes the
in the ocean-continent transitional terrains, such as an oceanward in­ borehole penetrated an allochthonous salt canopy above the Cen­
crease of magmatic additions, segments of thin mafic crust (basaltic omanian to Albian carbonate rocks (Fig. 7-C).
carapace) over a shallow subcontinental mantle, or even exhumed Even if the volcanic rocks penetrated by the BRSA-757 B borehole
mantle segments (Manatschal, 2004). In the southern Santos Basin, the correspond to a post-salt magmatic event, the lithologies at total depth

15
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

belong to the pre-salt sequence (Fig. 7). Unfortunately, the drilling op­ (Fig. 4). The gravity model and the seismic data corroborate the inter­
erations were stopped after penetrating only 20 m of the igneous rocks. pretation of large salt structures oceanward of the trough (Fig. 11-A and
These volcanic rocks have not been dated, and their age could be 12-B). The large salt walls oceanward of the AR extend toward the COB,
younger than the volcanic basement rocks associated with the Camboriú but some salt may form allochthonous salt sheets or nappes and overlie
Fm. (see Fig. 2). the oceanic crust (Demercian et al., 1993; Davison et al., 2012; Mohriak,
The analysis of the data suggests the BRSA-757 B borehole is char­ 2019b).
acterized by an anomalous stratigraphic sequence resulting from The borehole BRSA-757 B drilled through a massive salt layer and,
compressional salt tectonics in the distal margin. Even before drilling, surprisingly, penetrated an Albian carbonate sequence covered by 2.5
the possibility of a salt overhang eastward of the Thebas prospect (SPS- km of salt (Fig. 6). The borehole probably drilled an extremely thick salt
68) was postulated by some explorationists, although the vintage 3D overhang that bulged from the main salt body and extruded over the
volume did not cover this region adequately. The velocity anomaly post-salt sequences, including the Albian carbonates (see Mohriak et al.,
probably resulted in a seismic pitfall that impacted the petroleum 2021). Although similar features have been observed in the North
exploration of the block. German salt basin since the last century (for example, Trusheim, 1960),
Almost all boreholes in the Santos Basin distal margin have drilled this phenomenon is rather uncommon in the North Sea, although some
the Albian carbonate rocks above the Aptian salt layers (e.g., Jackson recent 3D seismic volumes indicate that allochthonous salt masses may
et al., 2016; Fiduk and Rowan, 2012), except when there is evidence for overlie post-salt strata offshore Denmark (Rank-Friend and Elders,
allochthonous salt forming an overhang (see Mohriak et al., 2021). To 2004).
our knowledge, this stratigraphic inversion has not been reported pre­ The borehole BRSA-757 B suggests two main facies of evaporite
viously in the region of the stratified evaporites in the Santos Basin, sediments are present in the borehole. Below the Albian carbonates, the
except for borehole SPS-90, located in a similar structural trend, south of evaporite deposits correspond mainly to anhydrite. Above the post-salt
the Thebas prospect (Mohriak et al., 2021). sediments, the evaporites are mainly composed of halite. We suggest
East of the BRSA-757 B borehole, the evaporite layers seem to pinch the more mobile halite sequences flowed basinward as an allochthonous
out towards an axial trough and onlap some positive structures that salt sheet, forming an overhang that covered the distal Albian-
might correspond to igneous features overlying a volcanic substratum Cenomanian carbonate rocks. These allochthonous salt masses could
(Mohriak et al., 2021). This suggests a neoformed volcanic basement not move further basinward because of the pre-salt relief controlled by
due to the development of igneous intrusions associated with the the volcanic structures on the transitional crust (Fig. 12-B).
incipient oceanic floor (e.g., Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Mohriak, 2014). Two salt masses formed adjacent to the axial trough, which corre­
Alternatively, the base of the salt horizon might have been offset by sponded to an abyss during the early stages of continental breakup. The
normal faults, forming a deep trough oceanward of the borehole igneous plugs associated with the AR and a swath of neo-formed vol­
BRSA-757 B, which is marked by a strong positive gravity anomaly. canic rocks separated the salt masses into two compartments. South of
North of the AR, this depression might correspond to a downthrown the AR, the oceanic basement was developed to the west of the Flo­
block still within the limits of the salt basin (Fig. 4). rianópolis Fracture Zone (Fig. 12-A). The embryonic spreading centers
were subsequently aborted as the new oceanic ridges shifted oceanward
5.1.6. Gravity and magnetic models of the regional seismic profile (e.g., Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Mohriak et al., 2008; Mohriak, 2014,
The gravity model for the regional 2D seismic profile was based on a 2019b).
simplified distribution of density in the polygons representing water, The magmatic events associated with the embryonic oceanic crust
sediments, salt, crust, and mantle. Considering the possibility of a have split the salt masses in the southern part of the basin in a process
basement high in the borehole BRSA-757 B rather than a sill within salt, similar to the present-day Red Sea (Mohriak and Leroy, 2012; Mohriak,
there is a reasonable fit between the observed and modeled gravity 2014). The integration of the potential field data, the gravity model, and
anomaly curves (Fig. 11-A). The high values of the gravity anomaly over the interpretation of the seismic data corroborate the tectonic model of a
AR were adjusted with a polygon representing volcanic bodies, and an neo-formed volcanic basement or proto-oceanic crust in some regions of
interruption in the salt layer. the southernmost Santos Basin, where autochthonous salt deposits are
Regarding the 3D model based on the inversion of the magnetic data, absent. Some allochthonous salt masses advanced toward the abyss that
the section along the regional line represents magnetic sources that split the main salt basin in the west from the distal salt basin in the east.
match the interpreted basement on seismic and 2D gravity profiles The salt apophyses have been affected by contraction, as the salt masses
(Fig. 11-B). Negative magnetic susceptibility contrasts (as in the region had their flow hindered by the rugose volcanic basement in the axial
of the AR) are considered possible reverse magnetization. The positive trough (Fig. 12-B).
magnetic susceptibility anomaly in the region of BRSA-757 B corre­
sponds to a high value of the total magnetic field. The salt walls eastward 6. Conclusions
of the AR also exhibit positive magnetic susceptibility (Fig. 11-B). The
symmetry of the magnetic susceptibility values in the region of the AR is A summary of the observations and interpretations indicates.
possibly associated with a pattern of incipient spreading, with three
pairs of normal-reverse polarity between the magnetic anomaly highs. 1) Late Cretaceous magmatism is recognized near the shelf break and is
characterized by intrusive and extrusive rocks in a mini-basin drilled
5.2. The splitting of the salt basin by an exploratory borehole. Although the borehole registered vol­
canoclastic deposits, the 3D seismic data indicate several igneous
The AR is characterized by a V-shaped anomaly in the gravity ver­ features in the adjacent exploratory blocks, including saucer-shaped
tical gradient map, indicating aborted spreading centers that propagated sills, dykes, basalt flows, and hydrothermal vents.
northward (Fig. 12-A). The base of the salt horizon is relatively elevated 2) The initial seismic interpretation suggested the strong reflector seen
in the uplifted western block, where the base of the salt reflector is in the seismic data within the distal salt wall might correspond to an
marked by a landward tilt, climbing oceanward, forming a structural igneous sill. Other hypotheses included Aptian anhydrite lenses
high in the region investigated by the borehole BRSA-757 B (Fig. 4). The within the massive salt layers, Albian carbonate stringers or rafts, or
regional seismic line suggests the base of the salt horizon is more than 2 igneous intrusive and extrusive rocks that were drilled at the base of
km deeper in the axial trough than in the adjacent highs (Fig. 4). North the evaporite sequence or below a thin layer of pre-salt carbonate
of the oceanic propagator, some salt structures are interpreted within rocks.
the trough and in the distal margin, eastward of the AR gravity anomaly

16
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

3) The distal borehole BRSA-757 B penetrated the pre-salt microbialite Balmino, G., Vales, N., Bonvalot, S., Briais, A., 2011. Spherical harmonic modelling to
ultra-high degree of Bouguer and isostatic anomalies. J. Geodesy 86 (7), 499–520.
sequences that overlie the basaltic rocks, which were assumed to
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-011-0533-4.
correspond to the volcanic basement. Baranov, V., Naudy, H., 1964. Numerical calculation of the formula of reduction to the
4) The stratigraphic inversion in the BRSA-757 B borehole, which in­ magnetic pole. Geophysics 29, 67–79.
dicates the presence of Albian and Cenomanian rocks enveloped in Bird, D.E., Hall, S.A., 2016. Early seafloor spreading in the South atlantic: new evidence
for M-series magnetochrons north of the Rio Grande fracture zone. Geophys. J. Int.
salt, is possibly derived from a salt apophysis or overhang that 206, 835–844.
overlies the Albian carbonates at the boundary with a swath of neo- Bonvalot, S., Balmino, G., Briais, A., Kuhn, M., Peyrefitte, A., Vales, N., Biancale, R.,
formed oceanic crust formed by an oceanic propagator. Gabalda, G., Reinquin, F., Sarrailh, M., 2012. World Gravity Map. Commission for
the Geological Map of the World. BGI-CGMW-CNES-IRD, Paris.
5) The gravity and magnetic models corroborate the interpretation of Bronner, A., Sauter, D., Manatschal, G., Péron-Pinvidic, G., Munchchy, M., 2011.
the absence of evaporite layers in the region of the oceanic Magmatic breakup as an explanation for magnetic anomalies at magma-poor rifted
propagator. margins. Nat. Geosci. 4\ (8), 549–553.
Bruhn, C.H.L., Pinto, A.C.C., Johann, P.R.S., Branco, C.C.M., Salomão, M.C., Freire, E.B.,
6) North of the oceanic propagator, there is downfaulted trough with 2017. Campos and Santos Basins: 40 Years of Reservoir Characterization and
diapiric salt structures. Management of Shallow- to Ultra-deep Water, Post- and Pre-salt Reservoirs –
7) The seismic interpretation and the gravity models suggest the pres­ Historical Overview and Future Challenges. Offshore Technology Conference, Rio de
Janeiro, Abstracts, p. 24. https://doi.org/10.4043/28159-ms.
ence of a distal evaporite province eastward of the oceanic propa­ Butterworth, S., 1930. On the theory of filter amplifiers. Experimental Wireless and the
gator, forming a compressional province extending to the oceanic Wireless Engineer 7, 536–541.
crust boundary. Chang, H.K., Kowsmann, R.O., Figueiredo, A.M.F., Bender, A., 1992. Tectonics and
stratigraphy of the East Brazil Rift system: an overview. Tectonophysics 213,
97–138.
CRediT authorship contribution statement Cobbold, P.R., Meisling, K.E., Mount, V.S., 2001. Reactivation of an obliquely rifted
margin, Campos and Santos basins, southeastern Brazil. AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet.
Geol.) Bull. 85 (11), 1925–1944.
W.U. Mohriak: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Correia, U.M.C., Honório, B.C.Z., Kuroda, M.C., Melani, L.H., Vidal, A.C., 2019.
Project administration, Investigation, Conceptualization. L. Szameitat: Geometric characterization of igneous intrusions: 3-D seismic insights from the
Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Campos Basin, SE Brazil. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 102, 725–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.marpetgeo.2019.01.022.
Software, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Davison, I., 2007. Geology and tectonics of the South Atlantic Brazilian salt basins. In:
Conceptualization. Ries, A.C., Butler, R.W.H., Graham, R.H. (Eds.), Deformation of the Continental
Crust: the Legacy of Mike Coward, vol. 272. Geological Society, London, Special
Publications, pp. 345–359.
Declaration of competing interest Davison, I., Anderson, L., Nuttall, P., 2012. In: Alsop, I.G.I., Archer, S.G., Hartley, A.J.,
Grant, N.T., Hodkinson, R. (Eds.), Salt Deposition, Loading and Gravity Drainage in
the Campos and Santos Salt Basins, Salt Tectonics, Sediments and Prospectivity, vol.
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial 363. Geological Society of London, Special Publications, pp. 159–174.
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence Demercian, L.S., Szatmari, P., Cobbold, P.R., 1993. Style and pattern of salt diapirs due to
thin-skinned gravitational gliding, Campos and Santos basins, offshore Brazil.
the work reported in this paper. Tectonophysics 228, 393–433.
Dooley, T.P., Jackson, M.P.A., L, C.A., Jackson, Hudec, M.R., Rodriguez, C.R., 2015b.
Data availability Enigmatic structures within salt walls of the Santos Basin—Part 2: mechanical
explanation from physical modelling. J. Struct. Geol. 75, 163–187.
Eagles, G., Pérez-Díaz, L., Scarselli, N., 2015. Getting over continent ocean boundaries.
The authors do not have permission to share data. Earth Sci. Rev. 151, 244–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2015.10.009.
Farias, F., Szatmari, P., Bahniuk, A., França, A.B., 2019. Evaporitic carbonates in the pre-
salt of Santos Basin – genesis and tectonic implications. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 105,
Acknowledgements 251–272.
Feijó, F.J., 2013. Santos Basin: 40 Years from Shallow to Deep to Ultra-deep Water:
We thank Anderson Costa Santos for the kind invitation to prepare AAPG Search and Discovery. Article #10553 (2013).
Fiduk, J.C., Rowan, M.G., 2012. Analysis of folding and deformation within layered
this contribution and the editors for their patience and cooperation. We evaporites in Blocks BM-S-8 & -9,Santos Basin, Brazil. In: Alsop, G.I., Archer, S.G.,
thank FAPERJ for sponsoring the research project on the Campos and Hartley, A.J., Grant, N.T., Hodgkinson, R. (Eds.), Salt Tectonics, Sediments and
Santos basin magmatism. We are grateful to some former colleagues Prospectivity: London, vol. 363. Geological Society, Special Publication,
pp. 471–487. https://doi.org/10.1144/SP363.22.
from Petrobras, particularly P. Szatmari and C. Varela, for many fruitful Fiduk, J.C., Clippard, M., Power, S., Robertson, V., Rodriguez, L., Ajose, O.,
discussions concerning several aspects of salt tectonics in the Brazilian Fernandez, D., Smith, D., 2014. Origin, transportation, and deformation of Mesozoic
margin. We are indebted to C. Magee (University of Leeds) and C. carbonate rafts in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Coast Association of Geological
Societies Journal 3, 20–32.
Jackson (Imperial College, London) for their contributions to this work, Fornero, S.A., Marins, G.M., Lobo, J.T., Freire, A.F.M., Lima, E.F., 2019. Characterization
including suggesting some alternative interpretations for the seismic of subaerial volcanic facies using acoustic image logs: lithofacies and log-facies of a
data, preparing some figures, and participating in many technical dis­ lava-flow deposit in the Brazilian pre-salt, deepwater of Santos Basin. Mar. Petrol.
Geol. 99, 156–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2018.09.029.
cussions. We also thank the reviewers, A. Aragão and F. Alkmin, for their
Galvão, I.L.G., Castro, D.L., 2017. Contribution of global potential field data to the
constructive criticisms during the preparation of the revised version of tectonic reconstruction of the Rio Grande Rise in the South Atlantic. Mar. Petrol.
this work, which has been greatly improved following their Geol. 86, 932–949.
recommendations. Gamboa, L.A.P., Rabinowitz, P.D., 1984. The evolution of the Rio Grande rise in the
southwest atlantic ocean. Mar. Geol. 58, 35–58.
Gamboa, L.A.P., Machado, M.A.P., Silveira, D.P., Freitas, J.T.R., Silva, S.R.P., 2009.
References Evaporitos estratificados no Atlântico Sul: interpretação sísmica e controle tectono-
estratigráfico na Bacia de Santos. In: Mohriak, W., Szatmari, P., Anjosorgs, S.M.C.
(Eds.), Sal: Geologia e Tectônica. Editora Beca, São Paulo, 2ed., pp. 343–361
Almeida, J., Dios, F., Mohriak, W.U., Valeriano, C.M., Heilbron, M., Eirado, L.G.,
Gamboa, L.A.P., Ferraz, A.E.P.P.D., Drehmer, L.H., Demercian, L.S., 2021. Seismic,
Tomazzoli, E., 2013. Pre-rift tectonic scenario of the Eo-Cretaceous Gondwana
magnetic and gravity evidence of marine incursions in the Santos Basin during early
break-up along SE Brazil–SW Africa: insights from tholeiitic mafic dyke swarms. In:
aptian. In: Mello, M.R., Yilmaz, P.O., Katz, B.J. (Eds.), The Supergiant Lower
Mohriak, W.U., Danforth, A., Post, P.J., Brown, D.E., Tari, G.C., Nemcok, M.,
Cretaceous Pre-salt Petroleum System of the Santos Basin, Brazil, vol. 124. American
Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Conjugate Divergent Margins, vol. 369. Geological Society,
Association of Petroleum Geologists, Memoir, pp. 257–272.
London, Special Publications, pp. 11–40.
Garcia, S.F.M., Letouzey, J., Rudkiewicz, J.L., Danderfer Filho, A., Lamotte, D.F., 2012.
Al-Siyabi, H.A., 2005. Exploration history of the Ara intrasalt carbonate stringers in the
Structural modeling based on sequential restoration of gravitational salt deformation
South Oman Salt Basin. GeoArabia 10, 39–72. https://doi.org/10.2113/
in the Santos Basin (Brazil). Mar. Petrol. Geol. 35, 337–353.
geoarabia100439.
GEBCO, 2019. General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans. British Oceanographic Data
Alvarenga, R.S., Iacopini, D., Kuchle, J., Scherer, C.M.S., Goldberg, K., 2016. Seismic
Centre, U.K.. www.gebco.net
characteristics and distribution of hydrothermal vent complexes in the Cretaceous
Geraldes, M.C., Motoki, A., Costa, A., Mota, C.E., Mohriak, W.U., 2013. Geochronology
offshore rift section of the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 74,
(Ar/Ar and K–Ar) of the South atlantic post-break-up magmatism. In: Mohriak, W.U.,
12–25.

17
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Danforth, A., Post, P.J., Brown, D.E., Tari, G.C., Nemcok, M., Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Schreckenberger, B., Thebault, E., Tontini, F.C., 2009. EMAG2: a 2-arc min
Conjugate Divergent Margins, vol. 369. Geological Society, London, Special resolution Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid compiled from satellite, airborne, and
Publications, pp. 41–74. marine magnetic measurements. G-cubed 10, 1–12.
Gibson, S.A., Thompson, R.N., Day, J.A., 2006. Timescales and mechanisms of McDermott, C., Lonergan, L., Collier, J.S., McDermott, K.G., Bellingham, P., 2018.
plume–lithosphere interactions: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and geochemistry of Characterization of seaward-dipping reflectors along the South American Atlantic
alkaline igneous rocks from the Paraná–Etendeka large igneous province. Earth margin and implications for continental breakup. Tectonics 37, 3303–3327.
Planet Sci. Lett. 251, 1–17. Meisling, K.E., Cobbold, P.R., Mount, V.S., 2001. Segmentation of an obliquely rifted
Gladczenko, T.P., Hinz, K., Eldholm, O., Meyer, H., Neben, S., Skogseid, J., 1997. South margin, Campos and Santos basins, southeastern Brazil. AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet.
Atlantic volcanic margins. Journal of the Geological Society of London 154, Geol.) Bull. 11, 1903–1924.
465–470. Mello, M.R., Peres, W., Rostirolla, S.P., Pedrosa Jr., O.A., Piquet, A., Becker, S., Yilmaz, P.
Gomes, B.S., 1992. Integração preliminar dos dados gravimetricos marítimos da O., 2021. The Santos Basin pre-salt super giant petroleum system: an incredible
Petrobras e do Projeto Leplac: Bacias de Campos, Santos e Pelotas, vol. 1. Anais do journey from failure to success. In: Mello, M.R., Yilmaz, P.O., Katz, B.J. (Eds.), The
XXXVII Congresso Brasileiro de Geologia, São Paulo, SP, pp. 559–560. Supergiant Lower Cretaceous Pre-salt Petroleum System of the Santos Basin, Brazil,
Gomes, P.O., Kilsdonk, W., Grow, T., Minken, J., Barragan, R., 2012. Tectonic evolution vol. 124. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Memoir, pp. 1–34.
of the outer high of Santos Basin, southern sao Paulo Plateau, Brazil, and Mohriak, W.U., 2001. Salt Tectonics, Volcanic Centers, Fracture Zones and Their
implications for hydrocarbon exploration. In: Gao, D. (Ed.), Tectonics and Relationship with the Origin and Evolution of the South Atlantic Ocean: Geophysical
Sedimentation: Implications for Petroleum Systems: AAPG Memoir 100, Evidence in the Brazilian and West African Margins. 7th International Congress of
pp. 125–142. the Brazilian Geophysical Society, Salvador, Bahia, Expanded Abstract,
Gordon, A.C., Mohriak, W.U., 2015. Seismic Volcano-stratigraphy in the basaltic pp. 1594–1597.
complexes on the rifted margin of Pelotas Basin, southeast Brazil. In: Post, Paul J., Mohriak, W.U., 2003. Bacias Sedimentares da Margem Continental Brasileira. In: Bizzi, L.
Coleman, James, Rosen, Norman C., Brown, David E., Roberts-Ashby, Tina, A., Schobbenhaus, C., Vidotti, R.M., Gonçalves, J.H. (Eds.), Geologia, Tectônica e
Kahn, Peter, Rowan, Mark (Eds.), 34th Annual GCSSEPM Foundation Perkins-Rosen Recursos Minerais do Brasil, Capítulo III. CPRM, Brasília, pp. 87–165.
Research Conference, Petroleum Systems in “Rift” Basins. Expanded Abstracts, Mohriak, W.U., 2014. Birth and development of continental margin basins: analogies
Houston, pp. 748–786. December 13-15, 2015. from the South atlantic, north atlantic, and the Red Sea. AAPG Search & Discovery,
Gordon, A.C., Mohriak, W.U., Stanton, N., Santos, A.C., 2023. Magmatic cycles in Santos Article #41502, Posted December 22.
Basin (S.E. Brazil): tectonic control in the temporal-spatial distribution and Mohriak, W.U., 2019a. Rifting and salt deposition on continental margins: differences
geophysical signature. J. S. Am. Earth Sci. 121, 104111 https://doi.org/10.1016/j. and similarities between the Red Sea and the South atlantic sedimentary basins. In:
jsames.2022.104111. Rasul, N.M.A., Stewart, I. (Eds.), Geological Setting, Palaeoenvironment and
Heine, C., Zoethout, J., Müller, R.D., 2013. Kinematics of the South atlantic rift. Solid Archaeology of the Red Sea, vols. 159–201. Springer.
Earth 4 (2), 215–253. https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-215-2013. Mohriak, W.U., 2019b. Salt tectonics in the Brazilian margin: key issues and technical
Jackson, C.A.L., Jackson, M.P.A., Hudec, M.R., 2015a. Understanding the kinematics of advancements in the past 30 Years, 37th annual GCSSEPM foundation perkins-rosen
salt-bearing passive margins: a critical test of competing hypotheses for the origin of research conference. Salt Tectonics, Associated Processes, and Exploration Potential:
the Albian Gap. Santos Basin, offshore Brazil: GSA Bulletin 127, 1730–1751. Revisited: 1989–2019 185–221.
Jackson, C.A.L., Jackson, M.P.A., Hudec, M.R., Rodriguez, C.R., 2015b. Enigmatic Mohriak, W., 2020. Genesis and evolution of the South Atlantic volcanic islands offshore
structures within salt walls of the Santos Basin—Part 1: geometry and kinematics Brazil. Geo Mar. Lett. 40 (1), 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-019-00631-w.
using 3D seismic reflection and well data. J. Struct. Geol. 75, 135–162, 10 .1016/j . Mohriak, W.U., Fainstein, R., 2012. Phanerozoic regional geology of the Eastern
jsg.2015 .01 .010. Brazilian margin. In: Roberts, D.G., Bally, A.W. (Eds.), Phanerozoic Passive Margins,
Jackson, C.A., Rodriguez, C., Rotevatn, A., Bell, R., 2016. Geological and Geophysical Cratonic Basins and Global Tectonic Maps, 1C. Elsevier B, pp. 223–282. https://doi.
Expression of a Primary Salt Weld: an Example from the Santos Basin, Brazil, AAPG org/10.1016/B978-0-444-56357-6.00006-8 (Chapter 7).
Search and Discovery. Article #41726 (2016). Mohriak, W.U., Leroy, S., 2012. Architecture of rifted continental margins and break-up
Jackson, M.P.A., Cramez, C., Fonck, J.M., 2000. Role of subaerial volcanic rocks and evolution: insights from the South atlantic, north atlantic and Red Sea–Gulf of aden
mantle plumes in creation of South Atlantic margins: implications for salt tectonics conjugate margins. In: Mohriak, W.U., Danforth, A., Post, P.J., Brown, D.E., Tari, G.
and source rocks. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 17, 477–498. C., Nemcok, M., Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Conjugate Divergent Margins, vol. 369.
Kangxu, R., Oliveira, M.J.R., Zhao, J., Zhao, J., Oliveira, L.C., Rancan, C.C., Carmo, I.O., Geological Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 497–535. https://doi.org/
Deng, Q., 2019. Metamorphism of pre-salt limestones produced by santonian- 10.1144/SP369.17. First published online August 22, 2012.
campanian alkaline sills in the libra block, Santos Basin, LASI 6 conference. Mohriak, W.U., Nemcok, M., Enciso, G., 2008. South Atlantic divergent margin
November, 2019, Abstracts Malargue 25 (26), 135–136. evolution: rift-border uplift and salt tectonics in the basins of SE Brazil. In:
Karner, G.D., 2000. Rifts of the Campos and Santos basins, southeastern Brazil: Pankhurst, J., Trouw, R.A.J., Brito Neves, B.B., de Wit, M.J. (Eds.), West Gondwana
distribution and timing. In: Mello, M.R., Katz, B.J. (Eds.), Petroleum Systems of Pre-cenozoic Correlations across the South Atlantic Region, vol. 294. Geological
South Atlantic Margins: AAPG Memoir 73, pp. 301–315. Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 365–398.
Karner, G.D., Gambôa, L.A.P., 2007. Timing and origin of the South Atlantic pre-salt sag Mohriak, W.U., Nóbrega, M., Odegard, M.E., Gomes, B.S., Dickson, W.G., 2010.
basins and their capping evaporites. In: Schreiber, B.C., Lugli, S., Babel, M. (Eds.), Geological and geophysical interpretation of the Rio Grande Rise, south-eastern
Evaporites through Space and Time, vol. 285. Geological Society, London, Special Brazilian margin: extensional tectonics and rifting of continental and oceanic crusts.
Publications, pp. 15–35. Petrol. Geosci. 16, 231–245.
Klingelhoefer, F., Evain, M., Afilhado, A., Rigoti, C., Loureiro, A., Alves, D., Lepretre, A., Mohriak, W.U., Szatmari, P., Anjos, S., 2012. Salt: geology and tectonics of selected
Moulin, M., Schnurle, P., Benabdellouahed, M., Baltzer, A., Rabineau, M., Feld, A., Brazilian basins in their global context. In: Alsop, G.I., Archer, S.G., Hartley, A.J.,
Viana, A., Aslanian, D., 2015. Imaging proto-oceanic crust off the Brazilian Grant, N.T., Hodgkinson, R. (Eds.), Salt Tectonics, Sediments and Prospectivity, vol.
continental margin. Geophys. J. Int. 200, 471–488. 363. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 131–158. https://doi.org/
Kukla, P.A., Strozyk, F., Mohriak, W.U., 2018. South Atlantic salt basins – witnesses of 10.1144/SP363.7.
complex passive margin evolution. Gondwana Res. 53, 41–57. https://doi.org/ Mohriak, W.U., Macedo, J.M., Castellani, R.T., Rangel, H.D., Barros, A.Z.N., Latgé, M.A.
10.1016/j.gr.2017.03.012. L., Ricci, J.A., Misuzaki, A.M.P., Szatmari, P., Demercian, L.S., Rizzo, J.G., Aires, J.
Kumar, N., Gamboa, L.A.P., 1979. Evolution of the sao Paulo Plateau (southeastern R., 1995. Salt tectonics and structural styles in the deep-water province of the Cabo
Brazilian margin) and implications for the early history of the South atlantic. Geol. Frio region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In: Jackson, M.P.A., Roberts, D.G., Snelson, S.
Soc. Am. Bull. 90, 281–293. (Eds.), Salt Tectonics: a Global Perspective, vol. 65. AAPG Memoir, pp. 273–304.
Kumar, N., Danforth, A., Nuttall, P., Helwig, J., Bird, D.E., Venkatraman, S., 2012. From Mohriak, W.U., Gordon, A.C., Mello, M.R., 2021. Origin and petroleum system of the
oceanic crust to exhumed mantle: a 40 year (1970– 2010) perspective on the nature Cabo Frio high between the Santos and Campos basins: reviewed integration of
of crust under the Santos Basin, SE Brazil. In: Mohriak, W.U., Danforth, A., Post, P.J., structural and paleogeographic reconstruction with the oil and gas systems. In:
Brown, D.E., Tari, G.C., Nemcok, M., Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Conjugate Divergent Mello, M.R., Yilmaz, P.O., Katz, B.J. (Eds.), The Supergiant Lower Cretaceous Pre-
Margins, vol. 369. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 147–165. salt Petroleum System of the Santos Basin, Brazil, vol. 124. American Association of
Magee, C., Pichel, L.M., Madden-Nadeau, A.L., Jackson, C.A.-L., Mohriak, W., 2021. Petroleum Geologists, Memoir, pp. 273–324.
Salt–magma interactions influence intrusion distribution and salt tectonics in the Mohriak, W.U., Almeida, J.C.H., Gordon, A.C., 2022. South atlantic ocean: postbreakup
Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. Basin Res. 33 (3), 1820–1843. https://doi.org/ configuration and cenozoic magmatism. In: Santos, A.C., Hackspacher, P.C. (Eds.),
10.1111/bre.12537. Meso-Cenozoic Brazilian Offshore Magmatism: Geochemistry, Petrology and
Manatschal, G., 2004. New models for evolution of magma-poor rifted margins based on Tectonics. Elsevier, Academic Press, pp. 1–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-
a review of data and concepts from West Iberia and the Alps. Int. J. Earth Sci. 93, 823988-9.00007-1.
432–466. Moreira, J.L., Esteves, C.A., Rodrigues, J.J.G., Vasconcelos, C.S., 2006. Magmatismo,
Manatschal, G., Sauter, D., Karpoff, A.M., Masini, E., Mohn, G., Lagabrielle, Y., 2011. The sedimentação e estratigrafia da porção norte da Bacia de Santos. Bol. Geociencias
chenaillet ophiolite in the French/Italian Alps: an ancient analogue for an oceanic Petrobras 14 (1), 161–170.
core complex? Lithos 124 (3–4), 169–184. Moreira, J.L.P., Madeira, C.V., Gil, J.A., Machado, M.A.P., 2007. Bacia de Santos. Bol.
Marzoli, A., Melluso, L., Morra, V., Renne, P.R., Sgrosso, I., D’Antonio, M., Morais, L.D., Geociencias Petrobras 15 (2), 531–549.
Morais, E.A.A., Ricci, G., 1999. Geochronology and petrology of Cretaceous basaltic Moulin, M., Aslanian, D., Unternehr, P., 2010. A new starting point for the South and
magmatism in the Kwanza basin (western Angola), and relationships with the equatorial atlantic ocean. Earth Sci. Rev. 98, 1–37.
Paraná-Etendeka continental flood basalt province. J. Geodyn. 28, 341–356. Moulin, M., Aslanian, D., Rabineau, M., Patriat, M., Matias, L., 2012. Kinematic keys of
Maus, S., Barckhausen, U., Berkenbosch, H., Bournas, N., Brozena, J., Childers, V., the santos–namibe basins. In: Mohriak, W.U., Danforth, A., Post, P.J., Brown, D.E.,
Dostaler, F., Fairhead, J.D., Finn, C., Frese, R.R.B., Gaina, C., Golynsky, S., Kucks, R., Tari, G.C., Nemcok, M., Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Conjugate Divergent Margins, vol. 369.
Luhr, H., Milligan, P., Muller, R.D., Olesen, O., Pilkington, M., Saltus, R.,

18
W.U. Mohriak and L. Szameitat Journal of South American Earth Sciences 128 (2023) 104435

Geological Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 91–107. https://doi.org/ Reservoirs in Libra Block, Santos Basin, Offshore Technology Conference, Rio de
10.1144/SP369.3. First published online. (Accessed 29 February 2012). Janeiro, Brazil, 29–31 October 2019. OTC-29818-MS, p. 10.
Müller, R.D., Seton, M., Zahirovic, S., Williams, S.E., Matthews, K.J., Wright, N.M., Rodriguez, C.R., Jackson, C.A.-L., Rotevatn, A., Bell, R.E., Francis, M., 2018. Dual
Shephard, G.E., Maloney, K.T., Barnett-Moore, N., Hosseinpour, M., Bower, D.J., tectonic climatic controls on salt giant deposition in the Santos Basin. offshore Brazil:
Cannon, J., 2016. Ocean basin evolution and global-scale plate reorganization events Geosphere 14 (1), 215–242.
since pangea breakup. Annu. Rev. Earth Planet Sci. 44, 107–138. https://doi.org/ Sandwell, D.T., Müller, R.D., Smith, W.H.F., Garcia, E., Francis, R., 2014. New global
10.1146/annurev-earth-060115-012211. marine gravity model from CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 reveals buried tectonic structure.
Müller, R.D., Zahirovic, S., Williams, S.E., Cannon, J., Seton, M., Bower, D.J., et al., 2019. Science 346 (6205), 65–67. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1258213.
A global plate model including lithospheric deformation along major rifts and Sandwell, D.T., Goff, J.A., Gevorgian, J., Harper, H., Kim, S.S., Yu, Y., Smith, W.H., 2022.
orogens since the Triassic. Tectonics 38, 1884–1907. https://doi.org/10.1029/ Improved bathymetric prediction using geological information: synbath. Earth Space
2018TC005462. Sci. 9 (2), e2021EA002069 https://doi.org/10.1029/2021EA002069.
Muniz, M.C., Bosence, D.W.J., 2015. Pre-salt microbialites from the Campos Basin Schweig, C., Dourado, J.C., Souza, I.A., 2015. Tectonostratigraphic characterization of
(offshore Brazil): image log facies, facies model and cyclicity in lacustrine the adjacent portion of the São vicente earthquake epicenter in the Santos Basin.
carbonates. In: Bosence, D.W.J., Gibbons, K.A., LeHeron, D.P., Morgan, W.A., Revista Brasileira de Geofısica 33 (3), 375–387.
Pritchard, T., Vining, B.A. (Eds.), Microbial Carbonates in Space and Time: Souza, K.G., Fontana, R.L., Mascle, J., Macedo, J.M., Mohriak, W.U., Hinz, K., 1993. The
Implications for Global Exploration and Production, vol. 418. Geological Society, Southern Brazilian Margin: an Example of a South Atlantic Volcanic Margin, vol. 2.
London, Special Publications, pp. 221–242. Third International Congress of the Brazilian Geophysical Society, Rio de Janeiro,
Neuharth, D., Brune, S., Glerum, A., Heine, C., Welford, J.K., 2021. Formation of RJ, pp. 1336–1341, 7-11 November 1993, Sociedade Brasileira de Geologia, Rio de
continental microplates through rift linkage: numerical modeling and its application Janeiro, Abstracts.
to the flemish cap and sao Paulo Plateau. G-cubed 22 (4), 1–22. https://doi.org/ Spadini, A.R., Esteves, F.R., Dias-Brito, D., Azevedo, R.L.M., Rodrigues, R., 1988. The
10.1029/2020GC009615 e2020GC009615. macaé formation, Campos Basin, Brazil: its evolution in the context of the initial
Norton, I.O., Carruthers, D.T., Hudec, M.R., 2016. Rift to drift transition in the South history of the South atlantic. Rev. Bras. Geociencias 18 (3), 261–272.
Atlantic salt basins: a new flavor of oceanic crust. Geology 44, 55–58. Stanton, N., Kusznir, N., Gordon, A., Schmitt, R., 2019. Architecture and tectono-
Ojeda, H.A.O., 1982. Structural framework, stratigraphy, and evolution of Brazilian magmatic evolution of the Campos rifted margin: control of OCT structure by
marginal basins. AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull. 66 (6), 732–749. basement inheritance. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 100, 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Oliveira, L.C., Rancan, C.C., Oliveira, M.J.R., 2019a. Sill emplacement mechanisms and marpetgeo.2018.10.043.
their relationship with the pre- salt stratigraphic framework of the libra area (Santos Stica, J.M., Zalán, P.V., Ferrari, A.L., 2014. The evolution of rifting on the volcanic
Basin, Brazil). LASI 6 Conference 25-26 November, 2019, Abstracts 85–86. margin of the Pelotas Basin and the contextualization of the paraná–etendeka LIP in
Oliveira, V.C.B., Silva, C.M.A., Borghi, L.F., Carvalho, I.S., 2019b. Lacustrine coquinas the separation of gondwana in the South atlantic. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 50, 1–21.
and hybrid deposits from rift phase: pre-Salt, lower cretaceous, Campos Basin, Brazil. Szameitat, L.S.A., Manatschal, G., Nirrengarten, M., Ferreira, F.J.F., Heilbron, M., 2020.
J. S. Am. Earth Sci. 95, 102254 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2019.102254. Magnetic characterization of the zigzag shaped J-anomaly: implications for
Oreiro, S.G., 2006. Magmatismo e sedimentação em uma área na Plataforma Continental kinematics and breakup processes at the Iberia–Newfoundland margins. Terra. Nova
de Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no intervalo Cretáceo Superior – terciário. 32 (5), 369–380. https://doi.org/10.1111/ter.12466.
Boletim de Geociências da Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro 14 (1), 95–112. Szatmari, P., Milani, E.J., 2016. Tectonic control of the oil-rich large igneous-carbonate-
Oreiro, S.G., Cupertino, J.A., Szatmari, P., Thomaz Filho, A., 2008. Influence of pre-salt salt province of the South Atlantic rift. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 76, 567–596.
alignments in post-Aptian magmatism in the Cabo Frio High and its surroundings, Szatmari, P., Moré de Lima, C., Fontaneta, G., de Melo Lima, N., Zambonato, E.,
Santos and Campos basins, SE Brazil: an example of non-plume-related magmatism. Menezes, M.R., Bahniuk, J., Lima Coelho, S., Figueiredo, M., Florencio, C.P.,
J. S. Am. Earth Sci. 25, 116–131. Gontijo, R., 2021. Petrography, geochemistry and origin of South Atlantic
Oufi, O., Cannat, M., Horen, H., 2002. Magnetic properties of variably serpentinized evaporites: the Brazilian side. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 127, 104805.
abyssal peridotites. J. Geophys. Res. 107, 2095. https://doi.org/10.1029/ Talwani, M., Heirtzler, J.R., 1964. Computation of magnetic anomalies caused by
2001JB000549. twodimensional bodies of arbitrary shape. In: Parks, G.A. (Ed.), Computers in the
Pereira, M.J., Feijó, F.J., 1994. Bacia de Santos. Bol. Geociencias Petrobras 8 (1), Mineral Industries, Part 1, vol. 9. Stanford Univ. Publ., Geological Sciences,
219–234. pp. 464–480.
Pérez-Díaz, L., Eagles, G., 2017. South atlantic paleobathymetry since early cretaceous. Talwani, M., Worzel, J.L., Landisman, M., 1959. Rapid gravity computations for
Nature Scientific Reports 7 (11819), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017- twodimensional bodies with application to the Mendocino submarine fracture zone.
11959-7. J. Geophys. Res. 64, 49–59.
Petersohn, E., Abelha, M., 2013. Libra - avaliação geológica, agencia nacional de Tedeschi, L.R., Jenkyns, H.C., Robinson, S.A., Sanjinés, A.E.S., Viviers, M.C., Quintaes, C.
Petróleo (ANP). Brasil – Pré-sal 90, 17/09/2013. M.S.P., Vazquez, J.C., 2017. New age constraints on aptian evaporites and
Pichel, L.M., Jackson, C.A.-L., Peel, F., Dooley, T.P., 2020. Base-salt relief controls salt- carbonates from the South atlantic: implications for oceanic anoxic event. Geology
tectonic structural style. São Paulo Plateau, Santos Basin, Brazil, Basin Research 32 45 (6), 543–546.
(3), 453–484. https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12375. Torsvik, T.H., Rousse, S., Labails, C., Smethurst, M.A., 2009. A new scheme for the
Pichel, L.M., Jackson, C.A.-L., Peel, F., Ferrer, O., 2021. The Merluza Graben: how a opening of the South Atlantic Ocean and the dissection of an Aptian salt basin.
failed spreading center influenced margin structure, and salt deposition and Geophys. J. Int. 177, 1315–1333. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-
tectonics in the Santos Basin, Brazil. Tectonics 40, e2020TC006640, 10.1029/ 246X.2009.04137.x.
2020TC006640. Trusheim, F., 1960. Mechanism of salt migration in northern Germany. AAPG (Am.
Pinheiro, M., Gordon, A., Stanton, N., 2019. Santonian magmatism in southern Santos Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull. 44 (9), 1519–1540.
Basin, Brazil: geophysical signature, LASI 6 conference. Malargue, Argentina, 25-26 Uieda, L., Oliveira Jr., V.C., Barbosa, V.C., 2013. Modeling the earth with fatiando a
November 2019, Abstracts 93–94. terra. In: Proceedings of the 12th Python in Science Conference, pp. 96–103. https://
Praxedes, A.G.P., Castro, D.L., Torres, L.C., Gambôa, L.A.P., Hackspacher, P.C., 2019. doi.org/10.25080/Majora-8b375195-010.
New insights of the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the Rio Grande rise, South Uieda, L., 2018. Verde: processing and gridding spatial data using Green’s functions.
Atlantic ocean. Mar. Petrol. Geol. 110, 335–346. J. Open Source Softw. 3 (29), 957. https://doi.org/10.21105/joss.00957.
Quirk, D.G., Schødt, N., Lassen, B., Ings, S.J., Hsu, D., Hirsch, K.K., Nicolai, C.V., 2012a. Uieda, L., Soler, S.R., Pesce, A., Oliveira Jr., V.C., Shea, N., 2020. Harmonica: Forward
Salt tectonics on passive margins: examples from Santos, Campos and Kwanza Modeling, Inversion, and Processing Gravity and Magnetic Data. Zenodo, p. 10.
basins. In: Alsop, I.G., Archer, S.G., Hartley, A.J., Grant, N.T., Hodgkinson, R. (Eds.), Vieira de Luca, P.H., Matias, H., Carballo, J., Sineva, D., Pimentel, G.A., Tritlla, J.,
Salt Tectonics, Sediments and Prospectivity, vol. 363. Geological Society, London, Esteban, M., Loma, R., Alonso, J.L.A., Jiménez, R.P., Pontet, M., Martinez, P.B.,
Special Publications, pp. 207–244. Vega, V., 2017. Breaking barriers and paradigms in presalt exploration: the Pão de
Quirk, D.G., Hertle, M., Jeppesen, J.W., Raven, M., Mohriak, W.U., Kann, D.J., Açúcar discovery (offshore Brazil). In: Merrill, R.K., Sternbach, C.A. (Eds.), Giant
Norgaard, M., Howe, M.J., Hsu, D., Coffey, B., Mendes, M.P., 2012b. Rifting, Fields of the Decade 2000–2010, vol. 113. American Association of Petroleum
subsidence and continental break-up above a mantle plume in the central South Geologists, Memoir, pp. 177–194.
Atlantic. In: Mohriak, W.U., Danforth, A., Post, P.J., Brown, D.E., Tari, G.C., White, R.S., McKenzie, D.P., 1989. Magmatism at rift zones: the generation of volcanic
Nemcok, M., Sinha, S.T. (Eds.), Conjugate Divergent Margins, vol. 369. Geological continental margins and flood basalts. J. Geophys. Res. 94, 7685–7729.
Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 185–214. https://doi.org/10.1144/ Winter, W.R., Jahnert, R.J., França, A.B., 2007. Bacia de Campos. Bol. Geociencias
SP369.20. Petrobras 15 (2), 511–529.
Rank-Friend, M., Elders, C.F., 2004. The evolution and growth of central graben salt Won, I.J., Bevis, M., 1987. Computing the gravitational and magnetic anomalies due to a
structures, salt dome province, Danish North Sea. In: Davies, R.J., Cartwright, J.A., polygon. Algorithms and Fortran subroutines: Geophysics 52, 232–238.
Stewart, S.A., Lappin, M., Underhill, J.R. (Eds.), 3D Seismic Technology: Application Zalán, P.V., Severino, M.C.G., Rigoti, C.A., Magnavita, L.P., Oliveira, J.A.B., Vianna, A.
to the Exploration of Sedimentary Basins, vol. 29. Geological Society, London, R., 2011. An Entirely New 3D-View of the Crustal and Mantle Structure of a South
Memoirs, pp. 149–163. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.mem.2004.029.01.15. Atlantic Passive Margin–Santos, Campos and Espírito Santo Basins, Brazil. Search
Ren, K., Resende Oliveira, M.J.R., Zhao, J., Zhao, J., Oliveira, L.C., Rancan, C.C., and Discovery Article. https://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/2011/
Carmo, I.O., Deng, Q., 2019. Using Wireline Logging and Thin Sections to Identify 30177zalan/ndx_zalan.pdf.
Igneous Contact Metamorphism and Hydrothermal Influence on Presalt Limestone

19