Geophysical investigation of the Colonia structure, São Paulo, Brazil

• Grant number: 15/01885-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2015
• End date: October 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Renato Luiz Prado
• Grantee: Renato Luiz Prado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Jorge Luís Porsani ; Vagner Roberto Elis ; Yára Regina Marangoni

Abstract

This research aims to acquire seismic reflection, gravity, electrical (vertical electrical sounding) and electromagnetic (TDEM) data in Colonia structure, São Paulo city/SP, processing and integrated interpretation to characterize its shape, depth and the stratigraphy of the sedimentary infill. The results also will subsidize proposal to be submitted to the ICDP (International Continental Drilling Project) for the execution of two deep holes with continuous sampling (sediments and approximately 100 m of its basement). Scientific meetings for the preparation of the proposal to ICDP has already been occurred. Twenty-seven scientists from six countries (Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland and the US) participated in a workshop in São Paulo, Brazil, from 26 to 29 September 2014 (held at the Geosciences Institute of São Paulo University). They discussed scientific priorities and logistical requirements for accomplishing a deep drilling project at Colonia and they concluded that the increase and improvement of the geophysical research, especially the seismic reflection is critical to set the location and characterization of holes for the full proposal to the ICDP.It is expected that the results of this geophysical research allow the improvement of its geological model. Increasing the geophysical database with this acquisition and the integration of the new data with the ones from the IAG/USP database, as well as an integrated new interpretation should improve the accuracy of the final geological model. A more plausible model in terms of the depth of the basement and sedimentary infill is an important element in several other studies in the field of geosciences. (AU)