Factors Controlling the Rift-to-Drift Tectonostratigraphic Evolution of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin: Insights into the Equatorial Opening of the Atlantic Ocean, Petroleum Systems and Geological Storage Potential

• Grant number: 24/18428-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Luigi Jovane
• Grantee: Mahmoud Elyamani
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian Equatorial Margin (BEM) represents a key region for understanding the complex tectonic and sedimentary processes that shaped the South Atlantic Ocean's margin. Despite its critical role in the evolution of the South Atlantic, gaps persist in the detailed comprehension of its rift-to-drift transition, sedimentary processes, and geoenergy potential. This research proposal aims to bridge these gaps through a comprehensive study of the Ceará and Potiguar Basins, employing an extensive array of geophysical and geological data.The BEM's tectonic history is pivotal for comprehending the broader South Atlantic margin's evolution, which has implications for regional and global geological processes. The rift-to-drift transition, a crucial phase in the development of passive margins, has shaped not only the physical landscape but also the distribution of geoenergy resources. Understanding the BEM's structural configurations, sedimentation controls, and geoenergy potentials is therefore of significant scientific and practical importance.This study will leverage a robust dataset comprising 2D and 3D seismic profiles, well logs, and core samples from the Ceará and Potiguar Basins. These datasets will be utilised to address four main research objectives: (1) deciphering the formation and evolution of the transform and divergent margins at the BEM, (2) identifying the factors controlling sedimentation during the rift-to-drift, (3) understanding the distribution and architecture of deep marine reservoirs and saline aquifers, and (4) evaluating the storage and containment capabilities for geoenergy resources.To achieve these objectives, a multi-faceted methodology will be employed. the research will integrate seismic structural and stratigraphic interpretation with well logging sequence stratigraphic analysis and source-to-sink modelling. Advanced techniques such as forward stratigraphic modelling (FSM), seismic geomorphology, FWI, and µ-CT 3D imaging will be employed to reconstruct geological processes and assess the storage capacity of potential reservoirs. The study faces several scientific challenges, including pioneering the use of 3D seismic data for rift-to-drift studies in the BEM, addressing data limitations in source-to-sink analyses, and overcoming core sample availability issues. Despite these challenges, the research promises to make significant contributions to the understanding of the South Atlantic margin.This project not only seeks to advance the scientific understanding of the BEM but also aims to enhance scientific outreach through media engagement, student training, and international collaboration. The outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the knowledge of rift-to-drift processes and the geoenergy potential of the BEM, with implications for economical resource exploration and CO2 storage solutions.¿ (AU)