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Tectonosedimentary evolution of the resende and Volta Redonda basins (Cenozoic,

Central Segment of the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil)

André Pires Negrão, Claudio Limeira Mello, Renato Rodriguez Cabral Ramos, Marcel
de Souza Romero Sanson, Vinicius Hector Abud Louro, Pedro Gouveia Bauli

PII: S0895-9811(20)30332-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102789
Reference: SAMES 102789

To appear in: Journal of South American Earth Sciences

Received Date: 16 May 2020

Revised Date: 22 July 2020
Accepted Date: 23 July 2020

Please cite this article as: Negrão, André.Pires., Mello, C.L., Ramos, R.R.C., de Souza Romero Sanson,
M., Louro, V.H.A., Bauli, P.G., Tectonosedimentary evolution of the resende and Volta Redonda basins
(Cenozoic, Central Segment of the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil), Journal of South American
Earth Sciences (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102789.

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 1 Tectonosedimentary evolution of the Resende and Volta Redonda
2 basins (Cenozoic, Central Segment of the Continental Rift of
3 Southeastern Brazil)
4
5 André Pires NEGRÃO1*, Claudio Limeira MELLO2, Renato Rodriguez Cabral
6 RAMOS3, Marcel de Souza Romero SANSON4, Vinicius Hector Abud LOURO1, Pedro
7 Gouveia BAULI1
8
1
9 Departamento de Geologia Sedimentar e Ambiental, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São
10 Paulo. Rua do Lago, 562 – Cidade Universitária, Butantã. São Paulo-SP, Brazil. CEP 05508-080. E-
11 mail: andrenegrao.geo@gmail.com*.
2
12 Departamento de Geologia, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de
13 Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.
3
14 Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.
15 Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.
4
16 PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.
17 *Corresponding author
18
19
20
21 ABSTRACT
22
23 The Resende and Volta Redonda basins, within the Central Segment of the Continental Rift of
24 Southeastern Brazil, have relevant paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental information regarding
25 the Cenozoic, and represent important study areas for Geosciences students and experts. This
26 paper reviews and integrates the knowledge about the tectonosedimentary evolution of these
27 basins, in particular the Paleogene sedimentation, which is associated with three stages: Pre-
28 Rift, related to the (braided fluvial) deposition of the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation; (main) Rift
29 I, related to the Resende Formation (braided fluvial deposits and alluvial fans associated with
30 fault edges and intercalated basanitic volcanism); (final) Rift II, related to the (braided fluvial)
31 Pinheiral Formation, responsible for filling the Paleogene depocenters. The post-rift
32 sedimentation is characterized by the Neogene deposits of the Floriano Formation (meandering
33 fluvial), as well as Neogene and Quaternary colluvial and alluvial deposits. The Paleogene
34 depocenters consist of NE-SW-trending hemigrabens, with main edges to the north, in the
35 Resende basin, and to the south, in the Volta Redonda basin. The NW-SE segmentation of the
36 depocenters and stress propagation between the basins took place through important local and
37 regional transfer zones. Regarding the neotectonic deformation, three brittle phases are
38 identified: (1) Neogene transcurrent sinistral E-W-trending, responsible for the reactivation of
39 rift faults and NE-SW segmentation of the depocenters; (2) Pleistocene-Holocene transcurrent
40 dextral E-W-trending, responsible for the NW-SE segmentation of the depocenters and
41 important modifications of the drainage networks; (3) Holocene NW-SE extension, responsible
42 for the generation of important Holocene depocenters and reactivation of the rift structures.
43
44
45 Keywords: Rifts; Cenozoic; Southeastern Brazil; Neotectonic; Alluvial Systems.
46
47
48 1. INTRODUCTION
49 The Resende and Volta Redonda basins, together with the Taubaté and São
50 Paulo basins, are enclosed in the Central Segment of the Continental Rift of
51 Southeastern Brazil (CRSB), as defined by Riccomini et al. (2004). The CRSB was
52 developed in the Paleogene and consists of a NE-SW-trending tectonic trough stretching
53 out for ca. 900 km parallel to the coastline of the states of Paraná, São Paulo and Rio de
54 Janeiro, and adjacent to an important basin on the Brazilian Atlantic margin (the Santos
55 basin).
56 The study of these basins is of special relevance, as they have important features
57 concerning the paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental conditions of the Cenozoic in
58 Southeastern Brazil, and also for being renowned study areas for universities and
59 companies, when it comes to the formation of Geoscience students and experts, in
60 particular in Stratigraphy, Tectonics and Atlantic Margin Reservoir Analogues.
61 The first studies of geological mapping and stratigraphy of the Resende and
62 Volta Redonda basins were carried out by Amador (1975) and Amador and Castro
63 (1976). In such pioneering stratigraphic studies, the main facies associations related to
64 the filling of these basins were grouped and designated as Resende Formation by
65 Amador (1975).

66 Riccomini et al. (2004) published an integrated geological map of the basins of

67 the CRSB Central Segment, including a summary chart of the tectonic evolution and the
68 sedimentary and volcanic stratigraphy. A possible connection of the basins that form the
69 CRSB Central Segment during their genesis is also proposed by Riccomini et al. (2004).

70 Ramos et al. (2005, 2006), Sanson et al. (2006) and Negrão et al. (2015)
71 presented updated mapping and stratigraphic reviews to the Resende and Volta Redonda
72 basins, in which three main alluvial units were recognized and linked to different
73 tectonic stages, plus the Neogene and Quaternary alluvial covers. As to the structural
74 evolution, Albuquerque (2004), Sanson et al. (2006) and Negrão et al. (2015)
75 recognized an opening distensional event and other three brittle deformation events,
76 according to the CRSB evolutionary model proposed by Riccomini et al. (2004).

77 However, taking into account that the majority of the stratigraphic units of the
78 Resende and Volta Redonda basins are genetically and chronologically related, studies
79 that associate the evolutionary stages of these basins are still lacking. Likewise, there
80 are no updated cartographic studies that integrate both basins under the perspective of a
81 rift system connected by accommodation and transfer zones. Also, there are no
82 integrated studies that can establish the role played by Neotectonics in deformation,
83 structural and relief compartmentation of such region during the Cenozoic.

84 In this way, the present study discusses the main aspects of the
85 tectonosedimentary evolution of the Resende and Volta Redonda basins, proposing a
86 new integrated stratigraphic column based on the results of the geological mapping of
87 the Cenozoic records of these regions.

88
89 2. STUDY AREA
90 The study area is located in the western region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in
91 the middle Paraíba do Sul river valley, encompassing the Itatiaia, Resende, Porto Real,
92 Barra Mansa, Volta Redonda, Pinheiral, Piraí and Barra do Piraí municipalities (Fig. 1).
93 The geographical coordinates that approximately limit the study area are parallels
94 22°25’00” and 22°40’00” south and meridians 44°40’00” and 43°55’00” west.
95 The main access to the study area is by Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116),
96 which connects Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo. From this highway, the region of the
97 Resende and Volta Redonda basins can be accessed by several roads that crosscut the
98 study area.
 99 Fig. 1. Simplified geologic context in the region where Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located.
100 Note that the Precambrian basement is a regional synformal structure, essentially composed of
101 metasedimentary rocks and granitoids. Upper Cretaceous alkaline intrusions occur at north and south of
102 both basins. Geological data compiled from Heilbron et al. (2004).

103
104 3. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
105 3.1. The Precambrian basement
106 The basement of the Resende and Volta Redonda basins, as well as of the other
107 domains of the CRSB, is the Neoproterozoic Ribeira Belt, whose origin is related to the
108 Brasiliano orogenic cycle. In the study area, the basement is composed of
109 Paleoproterozoic orthoderived complexes, Neoproterozoic paragneiss complexes, and
110 intrusive suites of the Ocidental and Embu terranes and the Paraíba do Sul Klippe
111 (Heilbron et al., 2004). NE-SW-trending ductile shear zones segment and control the
112 whole regional trend (Fig. 1).
113
114 3.2. Tholeiitic magmatism related to the Gondwana break-up
115 By the end of the Jurassic and beginning of the Cretaceous, the Atlantic margin
116 of Southeastern Brazil underwent tectonic and magmatic events related to the
117 Gondwana break-up and the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean, which were
118 originally named “South-Atlantic Reactivation” by Almeida (1967). These events were
119 marked by the development of major faults and the formation of basins in the Atlantic
120 margin, besides the intense fissural magmatism in the initial stages. In the region
121 between the Resende and Volta Redonda basins, Guedes et al. (2005) recognized two
122 groups of tholeiitic dike swarms with ages varying between Jurassic and Cretaceous that
123 are related to stages previous and coeval to the Gondwana break-up. The older group is
124 represented by NW-SE-trending diabase dike swarms of ages between 193 and 145 Ma,
125 obtained by the K-Ar and Ar-Ar methods. The younger group, of ages between 138 and
126 135 Ma, strike preferentially NE-SW and NNE-SSE.
127
128 3.3. Neocretaceous alkaline magmatism
129 Upper Cretaceous alkaline intrusions of ages varying between 78 and 66 Ma
130 crosscut the Precambrian basement and are mainly composed of nepheline syenites,
131 trachytes, phonolites and magmatic breccias (Thomaz Filho and Rodrigues, 1999; Rosa
132 and Ruberti, 2018). They constitute important sediment sources for Resende and Volta
133 Redonda basins. The most conspicuous alkaline intrusions are the Itatiaia and Morro
134 Redondo massifs (Fig. 1), respectively located at northwest and southeast of the
135 Resende basin. Minor alkaline intrusions and lamprophyre dikes genetically related to
136 both alkaline massifs are distributed along the study area.
137
138 3.4. Cenozoic tectonics and sedimentation
139 The most prominent features of CRSB are concentrated in its Central Segment,
140 constrained by the Serra do Mar Ridge to the south and the Serra da Mantiqueira Ridge
141 to the north (Fig. 2). In this sector, CRSB is made up, from west to east, of the São
142 Paulo, Taubaté, Resende and Volta Redonda basins, as defined by Riccomini et al.
143 (2004). The sedimentary environments consist essentially of alluvial and lacustrine
144 systems, with minor volcanic manifestations.
145 Zalán and Oliveira (2005) propose a new approach for the Cenozoic rifts of
146 Southeastern Brazil. These authors redefined the Cenozoic graben systems from the
147 State of Paraná to the State of Rio de Janeiro, assuming that they are of greater
148 magnitude than their remaining depocenters. Thus, four large-scale rifts were
149 recognized, namely Ribeira, Paraíba do Sul (approximately equivalent to the CRSB
150 Central Segment), Litorâneo and Marítimo, configuring a succession of asymmetric
151 horsts and grabens, with faulted and flexural margins and transfer zones that segment
152 them in grabens and sub-grabens. According to these authors, the Marítimo rift,
153 identified by magnetometric methods, would be placed on the continental shelf of the

154 Santos basin, however lacking confirmation.

155 Fig. 2. Distribution of the sedimentary basins in the context of the Central Segment of the Continental
156 Rift of Southeastern Brazil (according to Riccomini et al. 2004). 1) São Paulo basin; 2) Taubaté basin; 3)
157 Resende basin; 4) Volta Redonda basin. SP: São Paulo city; RJ: Rio de Janeiro city.

158
159 According to Riccomini et al. (2004), the tectonic evolution of the CRSB involves
160 five tectonic phases (Fig. 3), the first linked to the generation of the basins and the
161 others to the neotectonic deformation: (1) Paleogene NW-SE distension; (2) Miocene E-
162 W sinistral transcurrence; (3) Pleistocene E-W dextral transcurrence; (4) Holocene
163 NNW-SSW distension; and (5) Modern E-W compression.

164 Regarding the CRSB sedimentary filling, the Paleogene sequences would be the
165 response to the rift-forming tectonics (Fig. 3). The main sedimentary unit corresponds
166 to the Resende Formation, which is essentially constituted by alluvial fan deposits
167 associated with fault edges and by braided fluvial deposits (Riccomini et al., 2004;

168 Ramos et al., 2005, 2006; Sanson et al., 2006; Negrão et al., 2015).

169 Fig. 3. Stratigraphy and tectonic phases of the sedimentary basins of the CRSB Central Segment,
170 according to their respective authors. Paleogene sequences correspond to rift stages; Neogene and
171 Quaternary colluvial and alluvial sequences (Nca and Qca) correspond to post-rift stages. Tectonic
172 phases: E1 – NW-SE distension; TS – E-W sinistral transcurrence; TD – E-W dextral transcurrence; E2 –
173 NW-SE distension; C – E-W compression.

174 In the Taubaté and São Paulo basins, the Resende Formation grades laterally and
175 vertically to the Tremembé Formation, which is a playa lake-type lacustrine system. On
176 the top of the Paleogene sequence, deposits related to meandering fluvial systems are
177 described, which probably developed during the Oligocene. These deposits are grouped
178 in the São Paulo Formation (Riccomini et al., 2004). A Miocene braided fluvial system
179 named Itaquaquecetuba Formation, which is constrained to the São Paulo basin and
180 directly overlies the Precambrian basement, was installed as a response to the E-W-
181 trending sinistral transcurrent tectonic event. The deposition of this unit was controlled
182 by ENE- and NNW-trending faults (Riccomini et al., 2004). Stratigraphically above the
183 Itaquaquecetuba Formation lies the Pindamonhangaba Formation, of probable Miocene
184 age and typical of meandering fluvial environments (Riccomini et al., 2004). This unit
185 is well developed in the central and southwestern portions of the Taubaté basin,
186 discordant with the deposits of the Tremembé, Resende and São Paulo formations.

187 In the context of the Resende basin, Ramos et al. (2005, 2006) defined an oldest
188 unit, the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation, which corresponds to facies associations of
189 ephemeral braided fluvial channels, deposited in a stage prior to the generation of the
190 main Paleogene depocenters. As for the Resende Formation, Ramos et al. (2005, 2006)
191 kept its original name as proposed by Amador (1975). The main facies are related to
192 braided fluvial systems and alluvial fan deposits. Ramos et al. (2005, 2006) also defined
193 two members for some subordinate facies associations of the Resende Formation: a) the
194 Itatiaia Member, comprising alluvial fan deposits and fluvial deposits with a great
195 alkaline rock clastic contribution, restrict at the base of the Itatiaia and Morro Redondo
196 massifs; and b) the Acácias Member, which corresponds to conglomerates and
197 sandstones related to an axial braided river system, being positioned at the top of the
198 Resende Formation. Ramos et al. (2005, 2006) also kept the name Floriano Formation
199 (after Amador, 1975) for the Miocene deposits typical of meandering fluvial systems
200 that discordantly overlie the Resende Formation and the basement.

201 Sanson et al. (2006) presented for the Volta Redonda basin region a stratigraphic
202 review establishing three tectonosequences limited by unconformities. The first tectonic
203 stage in the Volta Redonda basin is marked by fluvial sedimentation associated with the
204 Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation. The second and most important stage is marked by the
205 deposition of the Resende Formation sediments, related to braided fluvial systems and
206 alluvial fans associated with fault edges. The last Paleogene tectonosedimentary stage
207 presents records of a braided fluvial system discordant with the other units and is
208 grouped in the Pinheiral Formation.

209 In the Volta Redonda basin region, Negrão et al. (2015) recognized a mosaic of
210 NE-SW-trending depocenters that are segmented by NW-SE-trending structures. The
211 Casa de Pedra, Dorândia and Colônia Santo Antônio grabens are the main areas of
212 Paleogene sedimentation, while Rio do Bananal and Usina grabens are important
213 Quaternary depocenters. Still according to Negrão et al. (2015), the Paleogene filling is
214 related to three tectonic stages: Pre-rift phase, linked to the deposition of the Ribeirão
215 dos Quatis Formation; Rift I phase, to which the Resende Formation and the Casa de
216 Pedra Basanite are related; Rift II phase, to which the deposits of the Pinheiral
217 Formation are related.

218 Volcanic manifestations in the CRSB Central Segment are recorded only in the
219 Volta Redonda basin and comprise ultrabasic alkaline lavas that are grouped under the
220 name Casa de Pedra Basanite and occurring in the homonymous graben (Riccomini et
221 al., 2004). By means of isotopic dating of the volcanic rocks, Riccomini et al. (1983)
222 obtained ages around 43.8 ± 6.2 Ma by the K-Ar method. Later on, Riccomini et al.
223 (2004) obtained ages of 48.3 ± 0.5 Ma by the Ar-Ar method, and Ramos et al. (2008)
224 obtained ages of 49.5 ± 0.4 Ma, also by the Ar-Ar method. The lavas are intercalated
225 with the Resende Formation deposits, thus confirming the minimum Eocene age of
226 these basins (Negrão et al., 2015).

227 The Quaternary sedimentary record is represented by colluvial and alluvial

228 deposits, not formally defined as stratigraphic units in the conception of Riccomini et al.
229 (2004), Ramos et al. (2005, 2006), Sanson et al. (2006) and Negrão et al. (2015). The
230 control of Quaternary deposition is frequently by NW-SE- and NE-SW-trending oblique
231 normal faults, mainly linked to the Pleistocene-Holocene E-W-trending dextral
232 transcurrence and the Holocene NW-SE-trending distensional tectonics.

233

234 4. MATERIALS AND METHODS

235 An integration of cartographic products (field geological maps, structural data,

236 terrain models and satellite images) was performed in a GIS environment using the
237 ArcMap 10 software (ESRI, 2010), adopting the Universal Transverse Mercator
238 coordinate system (UTM) and datum WGS 1984 on zone 23K, and the main toponomy
239 extracted from GoogleMaps™ (2018).

240 The geological mapping was done using digital elevation models with a
241 resolution of 30m / pixel (SRTM - http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org), processed on ArcMap 10
242 (ESRI, 2010) to obtain and analyze contour lines, drainage networks, relief shading and
243 hipsometric models. The relief shading model was used for the identification of
244 discontinuities in the terrain, highlighting a variety of sets of structures. Two
245 illumination azimuths were adopted (045° – to enhance NW-SE, E-W- and N-S-
246 trending features; and 315° – to enhance NE-SW-, E-W- and N-S-trending features),
247 besides an illumination elevation angle of 045°.

248 The products derived from the digital elevation model – shading and
249 hypsometric models – aided the identification of landforms associated with the
250 basement and the Cenozoic sedimentary covers, helping the geological mapping in the
251 stages preceding and following fieldwork.

252 The field surveys aimed the structural data collection and detailed geological
253 cartography of the Cenozoic sedimentary occurrences.

254 Structural data were obtained in the field by the systematic measuring of fault-
255 striae pairs affecting Cenozoic sedimentary deposits and wheatered basement rocks.
256 Whenever possible, outcrop reconstructions were performed supported with
257 photomosaics, in order to describe the main architectural elements of the sedimentary
258 record, as well as to establish the relative ages of the structures based on the
259 identification of stratigraphic units that are affected. The criteria to identify the
260 kinematic indicators and to analyze paleostress fields were based on standard models
261 presented by Angelier (1994). The data were then treated using the WinTensor™
262 software (Delvaux and Sperner, 2003), so as to analyze the brittle structures in relation
263 to stress regimes and to order them according to tectonic events.

264 The characterization of the structural styles and classification of transfer zones
265 were based on criteria presented by Fossen (2010), Faulds and Varga (1997), and
266 Gawthorpe and Leeder (2000, 2002).

267 The descriptive methods, facies classification, facies association,

268 paleoenvironmental interpretations and definition of fluvial sequences were based on
269 criteria described in Miall (1985, 1996, 2001).

270

271

272
273 5. RESULTS

274 5.1. Geomorphological aspects

275 The topographic aspects related to Paleogene sedimentary records of the region
276 of the Resende and Volta Redonda basins are characterized by relatively lower
277 elevations and declivities contrasting with the basement rocks relief (Figs. 4 and 5).
278 However, there are some significant geomorphological differences between the Resende
279 and Volta Redonda basins (Fig. 5). In general, the Resende basin presents relatively
280 continuous Cenozoic records and low topographic amplitudes, the main ruptures being
281 associated with the edges of the basin. Differently, the Volta Redonda basin region
282 presents slopes relatively greater than those observed in the Resende basin, what is
283 associated with an intense segmentation due to neotectonic deformation structures.
284 Thus, the Paleogene record of the Volta Redonda region is marked by strong NE-SW
285 and NW-SE-trending lineaments.

286 Fig. 4. The landscape of the study area (partial view to southeast of the Volta Redonda basin region). In
287 the foreground, gentle hills formed by Paleogene deposits; in the middleground, NE-SW-trending hills
288 associated with Precambrian basement; in the background, the Serra do Mar Ridge.

289 The relief units in the study area can be described according to the following
290 characteristics:

291 - Precambrian basement presents relief forms with relatively high slopes, narrow valleys
292 and ridges strongly aligned according to NE-SW and NW-SE directions, and presenting
293 greater topographic amplitudes, with elevations around 400m in valley bottoms and
294 600m along the main edges of the basins;
295 - Ribeirão dos Quatis and Pinheiral formations, once they are mostly composed of
296 sandstones and conglomerates, present landforms with flat tops and steep slopes, and
297 intermediate altitudes, between 420 and 500m;

298 - Resende Formation, constituted predominantly by mudstones and sandstones, has

299 reliefs with low slopes (<30°) and relatively lower altitudes, between 400 and 460m;

300 - most expressive Quaternary deposits are characterized by flat landforms, related to
301 terraces and floodplains, almost always occurring close to altitudes of the local base
302 level, between 370m e 400m.
303 Fig.5. Hypsometric map of the region where Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located. The Cenozoic terrains show average altitude levels between 380 and 500m; the more rugged
304 relief associated with the basement adjacent to the basins shows average altitude levels between 500 and 700m; and the mountains of Serra do Mar (to the south) and Serra da Mantiqueira
305 (to the north) present altitudes from 700 to 2000, reaching 2789m in the Itatiaia alkaline massif.
306 5.2. Geological map

307 The basement

308 The Precambrian basement of the study area played an important control on the
309 development of the Cenozoic structures. In both basins, the main depocenters developed
310 on metasedimentary rocks (schists and gneisses belonging to the Embu and Paraíba do
311 Sul complexes). with their fault edges often associated with Precambrian shear zones or
312 tectonic contacts. It is also remarkable the presence of important granitic bodies (Rio
313 Turvo Suite) and orthogneisses (Juiz de Fora Complex) between the Resende and Volta
314 Redonda basins, which constitute the Floriano Structural High, probably separating
315 them since the initial opening stages (Fig. 6).

316 Diabase dikes of the end of the Jurassic and beginning of the Cretaceous,
317 associated with the fissural magmatism of the Gondwana break-up, occur sparsely
318 throughout the region (Guedes et al., 2005). Northeast of the Resende basin these dikes
319 occur as N-S to NNW-SSE-trending swarms, superposing important faults and fractures
320 that propagate up to the Volta Redonda basin (Figs. 6 and 7).

321 The main alkaline bodies of the study area are the Itatiaia and Morro Redondo
322 massifs of the Upper Cretaceous, which are located respectively northwest and
323 southeast of the Resende basin, being important sources of debris for the basin. The
324 Serra dos Tomazes alkaline massif, located southeast of the Volta Redonda basin, does
325 not seem to have contributed to the sedimentation, as it is located downstream the basin.
326 Lamprophyre, trachyte and phonolite dikes, also of the Upper Cretaceous and trending
327 preferentially NE-SW and subordinately NW-SE, are scattered throughout the basement
328 (Figs. 6 and 7).

329

330 The Resende and Volta Redonda basins

331 In map, the Resende basin constitutes a continuous depositional trough, whose
332 main fault edge is located to the north. Based on gravimetric data, Ramos (2003)
333 recognized at least five structural compartments internal to the basin, limited by
334 Paleogene accommodation/transfer zones reactivated by neotectonic faults in
335 subsequent events. The compartments are designate, from west to east: 1) Itatiaia
336 Compartment, which consists of a narrow depocenter with outcropping records related
337 mainly to the Itatiaia Member of the Resende Formation; 2) Penedo Compartment, with
338 outcropping records of proximal and axial deposits of the Resende Formation, as well as
339 the Floriano Formation and Neogene and Quaternary deposits; 3) Resende
340 Compartment, which corresponds to the central sector of the basin and consists of a
341 structural high with exposure of the basement and deposits of the Resende and Floriano
342 formations, in addition to Neogene and Quaternary deposits; 4) Porto Real
343 Compartment, which is marked by significant development of the floodplains of the
344 Paraíba do Sul River, in addition to records of the Resende, Pinheiral and Floriano
345 formations; 5) Quatis Compartment, where outcrop deposits of the Resende and
346 Pinheiral formations and, in the extreme east, of the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation.
347 (Figs. 6 and 7).

348 The structural connection between the Resende and Volta Redonda basins is
349 given by regional transfer zones, responsible for the propagation of stress and inversion
350 of their main borders, to the north in the Resende basin and, to the south, in the main
351 depocenters of the Volta Redonda basin (Figs. 6 and 7).

352 The main transfer zone that connects the domains of the Resende and Volta
353 Redonda basins is here defined as Barra Mansa Transfer Zone (BMTZ). This zone is
354 characterized by NW-SE-trending dextral transcurrent fault systems, which also
355 strongly controls the Paraíba do Sul river along its main deformation axis.

356 The BMTZ is also responsible for the compartmentation of the Volta Redonda
357 basin region in two main sectors: the segment to the west of BMTZ that corresponds to
358 the domains of the Colônia Santo Antônio and Rio do Bananal grabens, and the
359 Cafundó area; and the segment to the east of BMTZ that corresponds to the Volta
360 Redonda basin stricto sensu, which encompasses the regions of the Casa de Pedra
361 graben, Jardim Amália area, Usina graben and the Belmonte area. Thus, the Volta
362 Redonda basin region is constituted by a mosaic of grabens and discontinuous
363 occurrences, segmented by transfer zones with exposition of the basement (Figs. 6 and
364 7).

365 The second important NW-SE-trending transfer zone located in the Volta
366 Redonda basin region is here defined as Pinheiral Transfer Zone (PTZ), which segments
367 the regions of the Casa de Pedra graben to the west, and of the Dorândia graben/Vargem
368 Alegre area to the east, with an associated minor dextral displacement. It is also
369 attributed to this zone the inversion of tilting observed in the Casa de Pedra graben, with
370 the main fault edge to the south, and in the Dorândia graben, with the main fault edge to
371 the north, both with associated fanglomerate deposits.

372 In the Volta Redonda basin region, it is notable that the Ribeirão dos Quatis
373 Formation has its record essentially on structural highs, being more expressive along the
374 northern border, in the sector called Belmonte Area. Subordinate records occur in the
375 regions of Colônia Santo Antônio graben and Dorândia graben.

376 The Resende and Pinheiral formations have a relatively homogeneous

377 distribution throughout the Paleogene depocenters, while the Quaternary deposits show
378 greater expression along Rio do Bananal graben and Usina graben.
379 Fig. 6. Geological and structural map of the region where Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located. Note the strong structural control of the Precambrian basement, imposed by foliation
380 and ductile shear zones, on Cenozoic tectonic structures. It is also noteworthy the development of the basins on strongly foliated paragneisses of the Andrelândia Group, Embu Terrane and
381 Paraíba do Sul Complex. Orthogneisses and granitoids present low competency to Cenozoic brittle deformation, configuring structural highs or less developed sectors of the basins. Precambrian
382 and Mesozoic units are compiled from Trouw et al. (2002), Eirado et al. (2006), PRONAGEO-CPRM/UERJ (2007), Rosa and Ruberti (2018).
383 Fig. 7. Geological and structural map of the region where Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located, highlighting the Mesozoic and Cenozoic features and occurrences. The continuous
384 character of the Resende basin is evident, even if it is constituted by several depocenters. Differently, the Volta Redonda basin region presents itself as a mosaic of grabens and discontinuous
385 occurrences, segmented by local and regional transfer zones. NW-SE-trending dikes of the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous overprint the Barra Mansa Transfer Zone, attesting the
386 development of these structures before the Cenozoic. Mesozoic units were compiled from PRONAGEO-CPRM/UERJ (2007) and Rosa and Ruberti (2018).
387 5.3. Stratigraphy

388 The stratigraphy presented here brings a review of the Cenozoic units and
389 tectonic events in the Resende and Volta Redonda basins regions (Fig. 8). The
390 references to this review are the works of Riccomini et al. (2004), Ramos et al. (2005,
391 2006), Sanson et al. (2006) and Negrão et al. (2015), which are summarized in item 3.4
392 of this paper.

393 In the lithostratigraphic diagram (Fig. 8) the main regional physiographic

394 elements (fault-bounded, Cenozoic troughs and the structural highs) are represented and
395 correlated with the distribution of the sedimentary record.
396 Cenozoic tectonic events and their correspondence with the tectonosedimentary
397 stages are also indicated. Thus, the tectonic phase E1 corresponds to the main stages of
398 opening and sedimentation (Rift I and Rift II). The other tectonic phases, as will be
399 discussed in item 5.4, present a deformation character, playing an important role in the
400 segmentation of Paleogene depocenters and in the reorganization of the drainage
401 network.
402 The Paleogene sedimentation in these basins is related to three tectonic stages:
403 the Pre-Rift Stage, which corresponds to the fluvial deposition recorded by Ribeirão dos
404 Quatis Formation; the Rift Stage I, which is recorded by Resende Formation (braided
405 fluvial system and alluvial fans associated with the main fault edges), locally
406 intercalated with the lavas of the Casa de Pedra Basanite; and the Rift Stage II, which is
407 recorded essentially by braided fluvial deposits of the Pinheiral Formation, responsible
408 for the final filling of the Paleogene depocenters. The fluvial meandering deposits of the
409 Floriano Formation are here considered a post-rift sedimentation. Significant
410 accumulations of Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial deposits are linked to the filling of
411 Quaternary grabens and valleys.

412 The Acácias Member of the Resende Formation, defined by Ramos et al.
413 (2005), is here abandoned for presenting correlations in part with the Resende
414 Formation and in part with the Pinheiral Formation. Thus, several sedimentary records
415 in the Resende basin are here grouped into the Pinheiral Formation.

416
417
418 Fig. 8. Integrated lithostratigraphic diagram of the Resende and Volta Redonda basins, where the mapping units and tectonic phases responsible for the generation of space for
419 accommodation (E1 and E2) and brittle deformation (TS; TD; E2) are represented.
420 The stratigraphic units and the characterization of their facies associations and
421 depositional architectures are described below.

422 The Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation

423 The Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation constitutes the record of a braided fluvial
424 system in nonconformity with the Precambrian and Mesozoic basement, and whose
425 upper contact with the Resende Formation was recognized only in the Volta Redonda
426 basin. The deposition of this unit precedes or is contemporaneous with the first tectonic
427 manifestations that generated Resende and Volta Redonda hemigrabens, probably
428 between the end of the Paleocene and beginning of the Eocene.

429 The main facies association is characterized by medium- to coarse-grained

430 quartzose orthoconglomerates interbedded with feldspathic sandstones and rare thin
431 pelitic layers. A common aspect of this unit is the presence of liquefaction structures,
432 probably developed in response to seismic events that preceded the opening of the
433 basins (Fig. 9). Quite often the occurrence of basal conglomerates bearing subrounded
434 quartz boulders with up to 60 cm in diameter is also observed. Paleocurrent
435 measurements indicate predominating flows towards ENE and ESE.

436 Fig. 9. Typical facies association of the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation, characterized by
437 orthoconglomerates and feldspathic sandstones related to frontal accretion bars of braided rivers. An
438 accumulation of gravels associated with liquefaction structures can be observed in the center of the
439 section. This occurrence is located in the Belmonte area, Volta Redonda basin. Modified from Sanson
440 (2006).
441

442 The thickness of the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation usually do not exceed 20
443 m in outcrops. In the Resende basin its occurrence is restricted to the easternmost basin
444 limit. In the Volta Redonda basin region this unit is mainly distributed along structural
445 highs externally to the most important depocenters (Figs. 6 and 7).

446

447 The Resende Formation

448 The Resende Formation constitutes the main syntectonic sedimentation in the
449 Resende and Volta Redonda basins. The records of this unit lie in nonconformity on the
450 Precambrian and Mesozoic basement, and the contact with the Ribeirão dos Quatis
451 Formation is observed only in some locations in the Volta Redonda basin.

452 This unit is constituted by fluvial deposits and proximal and distal alluvial fan
453 deposits. Fanglomerate deposits are associated with the main fault edges (Fig. 10),
454 whereas tabular packages of greenish gray (smectite-rich) sandy mudstone and muddy
455 feldspathic sandstone associations are associated with gravitational flows derived from
456 both margins. Texturally submature stratified sandstones interbedded with
457 orthoconglomerates and subordinate pelitic lenses are related to braided fluvial systems,
458 axial to the basin axis (Fig. 11). Paleocurrent data indicate predominant flows towards
459 ENE/ESE. The maximum thickness of this unit is not thoroughly known. However,
460 gravimetric and well data in the Resende basin suggest depocenters up to 400 m-thick
461 essentially filled with deposits of the Resende Formation (Bettini et al., 2003). In the
462 Volta Redonda basin, a maximum thickness around 200 m is estimated for the Casa de
463 Pedra graben (Negrão et al., 2015).
464 Fig. 10. Fanglomerate deposits (proximal alluvial fan deposits) of the Resende Formation overlying the
465 basement at the southern edge of the Casa de Pedra graben, Volta Redonda basin. Modified from Negrão
466 et al. (2015).

467

468 Fig. 11. Type section and facies profile for the Resende Formation fluvial deposits, exhibiting tabular
469 sandstone and conglomerate packages interbedded with greenish mudstones. This occurrence is located at
470 the central sector of the Resende basin. Modified from Ramos (2003).

471
472 The Itatiaia Member

473 The Itatiaia Member is a part of the Resende Formation and is only identified
474 in the Resende basin. This unit was proposed by Ramos et al. (2005, 2006) and
475 corresponds to sandy and rudaceous alluvial fan deposits adjacent to the Itatiaia and
476 Morro Redondo alkaline massifs (Fig. 12). They are in lateral stratigraphic position to
477 the Resende Formation fluvial deposits and are distinguished from the other alluvial fan
478 and fluvial deposits of the Resende Formation due to their composition markedly rich in
479 debris coming from the alkaline massifs, giving greyish and whitish colors to the

480 sediments.

481 Fig. 12. Type section and facies profile of the proximal portion of the Itatiaia Member, characterized by
482 conglomeratic and sandstone lithofacies exclusively composed by alkaline rock debris coming from the
483 Itatiaia alkaline massif. A lenticular bed of fine sandstones and siltstones with abundant organic matter
484 and millimetric laminae of lignite, related to the deposition of plant matter in a depression on the alluvial
485 fan surface or to an abandoned distributary canal, can be hjghlighted. Modified from Aguiar (2016).

486

487
488

489 The Casa de Pedra Basanite

490 The Casa de Pedra Basanite corresponds to ultrabasic alkaline volcanic rocks
491 that crop out only in the Volta Redonda basin region, in the western portion of the Casa
492 de Pedra graben and in the Jardim Amália area. This unit occurs interbedded with
493 Resende Formation deposits and is unconformably covered by the Pinheiral Formation
494 (Fig. 13).

495 The volcanic rocks present aphanitic to porphyritic texture and contain olivine
496 megacrystals, vesicles and amygdales, besides features that suggest at least two distinct
497 lava flows. Ramos et al. (2008) recorded a total thickness around 11 m for the flows
498 cropping out in the Casa de Pedra graben, and obtained an age of 49.5 ± 0.4 Ma for
499 these rocks by the Ar-Ar method, placing them on the lower to middle Eocene

500 (Lutetian).

501 Fig. 13. Stratigraphic section exhibiting the erosional contact (disconformity) between the Pinheiral
502 Formation (above) and the Casa de Pedra Basanite flows (below). This occurrence is located at the
503 western sector of the Casa de Pedra graben, Volta Redonda basin, and the whole sequence is strongly
504 weathered. Modified from Sanson (2006).

505
506 The Pinheiral Formation
507 The Pinheiral Formation corresponds to a stratigraphic unit of probable
508 Oligocene age that predominantly lies in unconformity with the Resende Formation and
509 more rarely with the basement. This unit is widely distributed in the Volta Redonda
510 basin region, presenting thickness around 30 to 40 m, while its distribution in the
511 Resende basin is very discontinuous, with only residual occurrences.

512 It is important to note that the deposits related to the Pinheiral Formation in the
513 Resende basin correspond to the upper portion of deposits previously attributed to the
514 Acácias Member. The lower portion of the Acácias Member is here grouped in the
515 Resende Formation stricto sensu. Thus, in the present study it is proposed that the
516 Acácias Member be abandoned.

517 The Pinheiral Formation is characterized by a fluvial facies association

518 composed by stratified feldspathic sandstones, quartzose orthoconglomerates with
519 clayey intraclast levels, and pelitic packages rich in plant remnants, especially
520 Gramineae (Fig. 14). Thicker pelitic intervals (up to 5 m) are related to episodic tectonic
521 obstructions of the main channels, promoting the development of localized lacustrine
522 bodies.

523 In contrast to the Resende Formation, alluvial fan deposits are not observed.
524 This unit also differs from Resende Formation for presenting relatively more mature
525 deposits both compositionally and texturally.

526 Fig. 14. Typical facies association of the Pinheiral Formation exhibiting feldspathic sandstones
527 interbedded with stratified conglomerates and, towards the top, predominant pelitic packages showing
528 paleosoil levels. This outcrop is located in the eastern sector of the Dorândia graben, Volta Redonda
529 basin. Modified from Negrão (2014).
530

531

532

533 The Floriano Formation

534 The Floriano Formation corresponds to a stratigraphic unit of probable Miocene

535 age, which is only mapped in the Resende basin, where this unit is around 20 m-thick
536 and occurs in unconformity with the Resende and Pinheiral formations, and also with
537 the Precambrian basement mainly in the Resende Structural High (Fig. 15). In the Volta
538 Redonda region, deposits related to Floriano Formation are very discontinuous and not
539 mapped.

540 The Floriano Formation deposits are characterized by fine- to medium-sized

541 conglomerates, grading to sandstones and reddish mudstones, with frequent paleosoil
542 levels. The facies association and the depositional architecture of sigmoidal sandy layers
543 and tabular to lenticular pelitic layers attest for a meandering fluvial environment.

544 Fig. 15. Stratigraphic section and facies profile of the meandering-river deposits of the Floriano
545 Formation, exhibiting sigmoidal bodies composed by graded conglomerates and sandstones interbedded
546 with tabular to lenticular layers of mudstones. This outcrop is located at the Resende Structural High,
547 Resende basin. Modified from Albuquerque (2004).

548

549 Quaternary deposits

550 The Quaternary sedimentary record is represented by fluvial and colluvial

551 facies associations, whose characteristics are directly related to neotectonic controls and
552 also to the climatic conditions during the Pleistocene (dry) and Holocene (humid).
553 These sediments are mainly associated with the major Pleistocene to Recent alluvial
554 plains, as seen in the Usina and Rio do Bananal grabens.

555 In summary, the most conspicuous Quaternary deposits of the study area are:
556 Pleistocene fluvial orthoconglomerates; early Holocene alluvial fan systems; and
557 Holocene to Recent alluvial and colluvial deposits (Fig. 16). Moura and Mello (1991)
558 present a detailed discussion about the origin and organization of the Quaternary
559 deposits, individualizing them in allostratigraphical units.

560 Fig. 16. Main aspects of the Quaternary sedimentation in the study area. a) Wide alluvial plain related to
561 Holocene fluvial deposition. b) Early Holocene alluvial fan deposits. c) Pleistocene fluvial quartz-rich
562 orthoconglomerates.

563 5.4. Cenozoic structures and tectonic events

564 Structural analysis resulted on the identification and classification of four

565 Cenozoic brittle tectonic phases (Fig. 8). The oldest tectonic event is characterized by a
566 Paleogene NW-SE- to NNW-SSE-trending distension (E1) responsible for the
567 generation of the basins. The three subsequent tectonic events are related to regional
568 neotectonic deformation: a Neogene E-W-trending sinistral transcurrence (TS E-W); a
569 Pleistocene/Holocene E-W-trending dextral transcurrence (TD E-W); and a Holocene
570 NW-SE-trending distension (E2). These events are correlated to tectonic phases
571 proposed by Riccomini et al. (2004) and are described as follows.

572

573 Rift Stage: NW-SE- to NNW-SSE-trending Distensional Event (E1, Paleogene)

574 Normal to slightly directional distensional faults which persistently strike NE-
575 SW, parallel and oblique to the basement regional trend, are related to this stage (Fig.
576 17). Such structures are the main control on the Paleogene depocenters and other
577 discontinuous sedimentary occurrences (Figs. 6 and 7).

578 The development of transfer and accommodation zones responsible for internal
579 and external compartmentation of the Paleogene depocenters is also associated with this
580 event. Two important examples can be highlighted: the Barra Mansa Transfer Zone
581 (BMTZ), responsible for the stress transfer throughout the region of the Resende and
582 Volta Redonda basins; and the Pinheiral Transfer Zone (PTZ), responsible for the
583 inversion of fault edges of the Casa de Pedra and Dorândia grabens, located in the Volta
584 Redonda basin.

585 It is assumed that almost all structures observed in the field related to E1 have
586 been reactivated by later events.

587

588
589 Fig. 17. Map of morphostructural lineaments checked against fault tensors measured in the field. Tensors in red: normal and oblique faults compatible with a NW-SE extension (E1 and E2).
590 Tensors in blue: transcurrent and normal faults compatible with an E-W-trending sinistral transcurrence (TS E-W). Tensors in green: transcurrent and normal faults compatible with an E-W-
591 trending dextral transcurrence (TD E-W). ENE-WSW-, NE-SW-, and NNE-SSW-trending lineaments: statistically related to E1, TS E-W and E2; NNW-SSE-, NW-SE-, WNW-trending
592 lineaments: statistically related to TD E-W.
593 E-W- trending Sinistral Transcurrence Event (TS E-W, Neogene)

594 The following structures are related to TS E-W (Fig. 17): NE-SW- and ENE-
595 WSW-trending, more rarely E-W- and WNW-ESE-trending, sinistral normal faults and
596 normal sinistral faults; NE-SW- to NNW-SSE- trending dextral normal faults and
597 normal dextral faults; and NE-SW-trending normal faults. Based on the nomenclature of
598 Bartlett et al. (1982), these sets of faults are associated with R, R’, and T faults,
599 respectively. In the field, these faults affect basement rocks and Paleogene deposits
600 (Fig. 18). The paleostress analysis documents that these structures were generated by
601 NE-SW-trending compressional stresses and NW-SE-trending extensional stresses.

602 Fig. 18. Examples of faults related to TS E-W affecting the Pinheiral Formation (Oligocene). The main
603 fault-striae pairs observed in this outcrop and nearby are represented in the paleostress diagram. Casa de
604 Pedra graben, Volta Redonda basin. Modified from Sanson (2006).

605
606 On the lineament map, ENE-WSW-, NE-SW- and NNE-SSW-trending medium
607 to long features make up the classes statistically more related to TS E-W (Fig. 17). Such
608 features, trending parallel to the E1 (Rift Stage) structures, mark morphostructures
609 related to the reactivation of Paleogene faults.

610

611

612

613
614 E-W- trending Dextral Transcurrence Event (TD E-W, Pleistocene/Holocene)

615 The main structures related to TD E-W are: WNW-ESE- and NW-SE-trending
616 normal dextral faults and dextral normal faults; NW-SE- to NNE-SSW-trending normal
617 sinistral faults and sinistral normal faults; and predominantly NW-SE- and more rarely
618 WNW-ESE- and NNW-SSE-trending normal faults (Fig. 17). Based on the
619 nomenclature of Bartlett et al. (1982), these sets are associated with R, R’, and T
620 fractures, respectively. In the field, these faults affect basement rocks and Paleogene to
621 early Holocene deposits (Fig. 19). The paleostress analysis documents that the
622 structures were generated by NW-SE-trending compressional stresses and NE-SW-
623 trending extensional stresses.

624 On the lineament map, a high density of NNW-SSE-, NW-SE-, and WNW-
625 trending short features make up the classes statistically more related to TD E-W (Fig.

626 17).

627 Fig. 19. Examples of faults related to TD E-W affecting the Floriano Formation (Miocene) and
628 Quaternary deposits. The main fault-striae pairs observed in this outcrop that are related to TD E-W phase
629 are represented in the paleostress diagram. The NE-SW-trending faults represented in the geologic section
630 are related to E2 phase Resende High, Resende basin. Modified from Albuquerque (2004).
631

632
633 NW-SE-trending Distensional Event (E2, Holocene)

634 The structures related to this event essentially consist of ENE-WSW-, NE-SW-
635 and NNE-SSW-trending normal to slightly oblique faults (Fig. 17). Such structures are
636 widely distributed throughout the study area. However, a greater concentration was
637 observed on the basin margins and in internal structural highs, reactivating older
638 structures. In the field, these faults affect basement rocks and Paleogene to Holocene
639 deposits. In general, faults and striae related to this event are well preserved, given their
640 younger age, which was an additional criterion to distinguish them from faults related to
641 previous events.

642 On the lineament map, ENE-WSW-, NE-SW- and NNE-WSW-trending features

643 were considered as most probably related to this event (Fig. 17).

644 The development of Holocene grabens is attributed to this event. They

645 accommodate expressive alluvial and colluvial deposits and present strong structural
646 control on the course of the Paraíba do Sul river. In the Volta Redonda basin region this
647 event was probably the main responsible for the configuration of the Rio do Bananal
648 and Usina hemigrabens, besides other areas with expressive accumulation of Quaternary
649 alluvial deposits. The modern tectonic activity associated with these hemigrabens is also
650 highlighted by the position of the main rivers close to the main edges, denoting the
651 asymmetry of the Holocene depocenters (Fig. 20).

652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675 Fig. 20. Morphotectonic aspects associated with faults related to E2 that present strong control on rivers
676 and Holocene sedimentary accumulations. Red arrows point to the regions of the Rio do Bananal and
677 Usina grabens in which the rivers mark the subsidence asymmetries and main fault edges to the north. a)
678 and b): examples of NE-SW-trending normal faults measured at the northern and southern edges of the
679 Rio do Bananal graben.

680

681
682 6. DISCUSSIONS

683 Paleogene tectonosedimentary stages

684 The region where the Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located underwent
685 at least three tectonic stages during the Paleogene. Each of these stages was recorded by
686 a tectonosequence limited by erosive unconformities.

687 The first stage, defined as Pre-Rift, corresponds to the generation of fractures
688 and faults previous to the opening of this CRSB sector, and to the deposition of the
689 older tectonosequence, recorded by the Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation (Fig. 21). This
690 tectonosequence is associated with a high-energy braided fluvial system, flowing in
691 relatively narrow and shallow, predominantly NE-SW-trending troughs. Considering its
692 spatial distribution and stratigraphic relationships, the main depositional sites of the
693 Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation behaved as structural highs when the Rift Stage was
694 installed, therefore keeping such records outside the main Paleogene depocenters.

695 The Rift Stage was subdivided in two phases, being Rift Phase I the most
696 important in terms of rift opening and sedimentary and volcanic deposition, and Rift
697 Phase II responsible for the final tectonic pulses and filling of the Paleogene
698 depocenters (Fig. 21).

699 Rift Phase I is related to the tectonosequence recorded by the Resende

700 Formation, which corresponds to a braided fluvial system with the development of large
701 muddy and sandy plains towards the flexural margins of the depocenters, and alluvial
702 fan systems close to the main fault edges. The basanitic volcanism (Casa de Pedra
703 Basanite) is also attributed to this stage, whose origin is probably related to the
704 moments of maximum stretching rates in this CRSB sector.

705 The general geometry of the Paleogene hemigrabens was controlled by NE-SW-
706 trending normal to slightly oblique synthetic and antithetic fault systems. On map, these
707 fault systems present parallel, relay and locally en échelon structural patterns. The
708 connection of these systems takes place through accommodation zones, mainly of the
709 relay ramp type, and transfer zones.

710
711 Fig. 21. Three-D evolutionary model based on the structural map, highlighting the probable geometric arrangements of each Paleogene tectonosedimentary stages.
712 Rift Phase II is related to a younger tectonosequence recorded by the Pinheiral
713 Formation, which corresponds to a braided fluvial system without association with
714 alluvial fans. According to such faciologic characteristics, it is considered that Rift
715 Phase II involved lower subsidence rates when compared to Rift Phase I. The wide
716 spatial distribution of the deposits of this phase indicates that they transposed structural
717 highs internal to the Paleogene depocenters, due to the attenuation of the uplift and
718 erosion.

719 Stresses and rift opening structures

720 The distensional stresses of the Rift Stage were responsible for the major NE-
721 SW-trending normal fault systems that controlled the Paleogene depocenters. However,
722 the analysis of the main fault systems that are represented on map points to a mean
723 strike around N45°W for the distensional stresses (σ3) of the rift phase, which is
724 oblique relative to the general axis of the depocenters (N70°E). Such relationship
725 indicates rifting under an oblique distensional regime. The obliquity between the rifting
726 axis and the opening stress strike can be associated with a control by the basement
727 structural trend.

728 Transfer zones were active during the whole Rift Stage, being responsible for the
729 propagation of regional distensional stresses, for the original segmentation of the
730 Paleogene depocenters and for the inversion of symmetry between opposite fault edges.
731 Two important transfer zones were characterized and designate. The synthetic dextral
732 Barra Mansa Transfer Zone (BMTZ) is responsible since the Paleogene for the spread
733 of distensive stresses between the Resende and Volta Redonda basins, as well as for the
734 asymmetry of its depocenters, whose main borders are to the north and to the south,
735 respectively. The BMTZ is also responsible for the segmentation of the Volta Redonda
736 basin region in two domains since the Paleogene: to the west of BMTZ, the Colônia
737 Santo Antônio and the Rio do Bananal grabens and the Cafundó area probably
738 constituted a single depositional trough tilting southwards; to the east of BMTZ, Casa
739 de Pedra graben, Dorândia graben, Vargem Alegre area, Jardim Amália area and Usina
740 graben constitute depocenters that together characterize the Volta Redonda basin stricto
741 sensu. They were connected during the Paleogene, including the region of the Usina
742 graben, which configured the shallow portion of the Casa de Pedra graben, being
743 separated from it by the internal high that presently is represented by the Jardim Amália
744 area. The antithetic dextral Pinheiral Transfer Zone (PTZ) is responsible for the
745 inversion of the main fault edges between the Casa de Pedra graben and the Dorândia
746 graben.

747 Neotectonic deformation and the modern distribution of the Cenozoic record

748 The neotectonic phases are an important control on the mosaic of Paleogene and
749 Quaternary depocenters, partially or totally segmented by predominantly NE-SW- and
750 NW-SE-trending structures, that constitutes the modern configuration of the region
751 where the Resende and Volta Redonda basins are located.

752 The first structures responsible for the deformation of the Paleogene depocenters
753 are related to TS E-W, resulting on the compartmentation of depocenters by NE-SW-
754 trending R, R’ and T faults. This event is positioned on Oligocene to Miocene
755 considering that the set of structures related to it affects only the basement and the
756 Paleogene deposits, without affecting the Floriano Formation and other Neogene and
757 Quaternary records.

758 Most of NW-SE and NNW-SSE-trending R, R’ and T faults are related to the
759 subsequent neotectonic phase (TD E-W). Such faults were responsible for transversal
760 compartmentation of the Paleogene depocenters. They probably reactivated transfer and
761 accommodation zones of the Rift Stage (e.g., Resende High and transversal
762 compartmentation of the depocenters of the Volta Redonda region), besides having
763 promoted important NW-SE-trending structural controls on the drainage networks,
764 including the Paraíba do Sul river. A Pleistocene to early Holocene age is attributed to
765 this event since structures related to it are observed affecting all sedimentary records
766 older than deposits of probable early Holocene age.

767 A generalized reactivation of NE-SW-trending structures is attributed to the

768 most recent deformation phase (E2). A Holocene age is attributed to this event by
769 observing normal and oblique faults affecting and controlling colluvial and alluvial
770 deposits of the same age. The generation of important Quaternary depocenters is also
771 attributed to this phase, such as the Usina and Rio do Bananal grabens, both in the Volta
772 Redonda basin region, besides having promoted the generation of space for the large
773 Holocene alluvial plains in the Resende basin.
774 A Modern compressive tectonic phase is identified by Salvador and Riccomini
775 (1995) and Riccomini et al. (2004) for the RCSB. The field results of the present study
776 did not identify structures clearly linked to this event in the region of the Resende and
777 Volta Redonda basins. This fact, however, does not invalidate the existence of this
778 event in this and other areas of the RCSB.

779

780 7. CONCLUSIONS

781 The Resende and the Volta Redonda basins shared a similar tectonosedimentary
782 history, but evolving as isolated Paleogene depocenters connected by antithetic and
783 synthetic transfer zones. There are also significant differences in terms of structural
784 geometries and distribution of the Paleogene record. The Resende basin presents a
785 relatively continuous record throughout its extension, while in the Volta Redonda basin
786 region the Paleogene depocenters are very segmented by transfer zones.

787 Genetic and chronologic correlations of Paleogene facies associations also

788 support the interpretation of a unified tectonosedimentary history. Thus, Paleogene
789 evolution is represented by the Pre-Rift (Ribeirão dos Quatis Formation), Rift I
790 (Resende Formation and Casa de Pedra Basanite) and Rift II (Pinheiral Formation)
791 stages. The differences in the Paleogene filling are relate to volcanic rocks (Casa de
792 Pedra Basanite) that are found only in the Volta Redonda basin, and to facies
793 associations of the Itatiaia Member that are recognized only in the Resende basin.

794 It is suggested that the volcanic manifestations of the Casa de Pedra Basanite are
795 conditioned, mainly, by NW-SE-trending faults, related to the ZTBM. It is important to
796 note that the ZTBM as well as the entire Volta Redonda basin region is inserted within
797 regional transfer zones that connect the Central and Eastern segments of the CRSB,
798 resulting in the development of deep NW-SE-trending faults. However, the existence of
799 volcanic manifestations in the Resende basin, as well as in the other basins of the
800 CRSB, is not ruled out. Such confirmation would be possible through subsurface
801 studies.

802 The Pinheiral Formation has limited occurrences in the Resende basin, while in
803 the Volta Redonda basin region it has wide distribution. This fact is interpreted as a
804 result of greater tectonic activity and space generation during the Rift II phase in the
805 Volta Redonda basin region. Aspects associated with basement rheology and a greater
806 presence of pre-existing weakness zones could justify the greater effectiveness of Rift II
807 phase in the Volta Redonda basin region in relation to the Resende basin.

808 The Floriano Formation, which represents a meandering river sedimentation and
809 is associated with a probably Miocene post-rift phase, is mapped only in the Resende
810 basin. In the Volta Redonda basin region, this unit is recorded by intensely weathered
811 and discontinuous (unmapped) occurrences. The absence of the Floriano Formation in
812 the Volta Redonda basin can be explained by the greater neotectonic deformation of this
813 region, causing the erosion of its not very thick deposits.

814 Neogene and Pleistocene colluvial and alluvial records are discontinuously
815 distributed throughout the study area. Holocene alluvial and colluvial deposits are
816 expressive and significantly controlled by faults or accumulated in grabens.

817 The neotectonic events played an important role both on the segmentation and
818 deformation of the Paleogene depocenters and on the rearrangement of drainage
819 networks and modeling of the modern landscape. Thus, the TS E-W event (Neogene)
820 was responsible for the first NE-SW-trending segmentations, reactivating internal
821 structures and the edges of the Paleogene depocenters. The second neotectonic event
822 (TD E-W, Pleistocene-Holocene) was responsible for important NW-SE- and NE-SW-
823 trending segmentations, reactivating transfer zones as well as the edges of the Paleogene
824 depocenters. The younger event (E2, Holocene) was responsible for a generalized
825 reactivation of NE-SW-trending structures, locally associated with the generation of
826 grabens. The effects of neotectonic deformation were much more pronounced in the
827 Volta Redonda basin region, which developed over important regional transfer zones.

828

829 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

830 The authors wish to thank CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de

831 Pessoal de Nível Superior) for granting M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholarships; CNPq (Conselho
832 Nacional de Development Científico e Tecnológico) for financing field surveys and
833 laboratory material; IGeo/UFRJ (Instituto de Geociências da Universidade Federal do
834 Rio de Janeiro) for the infrastructure and logistics support; and the referees for their
835 invaluable contributions to this paper.

836
837 DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

838 The data that support the findings of this study are available from the
839 corresponding author upon reasonable request.

840

841

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 HIGHLIGHTS – NEGRÃO ET AL 2020

• Evolution of the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil in the Resende and Volta
Redonda basins

• Three Paleogene tectonic stages: Pre-rift (Paleocene), Rift I (Eocene), Rift II

(Oligocene).

• Paleogene filling essentially by deposits of alluvial systems and basanite volcanism.

• Structural styles, paleostress and 3D evolutive models of the Resende and Volta
Redonda rift basins.

• Neotectonic reactivation controls in the Neogene-Quaternary alluvial systems and

Modern drainages.

Keywords: Rifts; Cenozoic; Southeastern Brazil; Neotectonic; Alluvial Systems.

Declaration of interests

☒ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships
that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

☐The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered
as potential competing interests: