Geologic characterization of Riachão impact structure, MA

Author(s)

Mariana Velcic Maziviero

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Geociências
• Defense date: 2012-01-03

Examining board members

Alvaro Penteado Crósta; Ticiano José Saraiva dos Santos; Paulo César Fonseca Giannini

• Advisor: Alvaro Penteado Crósta; Ana Maria Goes

Abstract

At the present, about 180 meteorite impact structures have been identified on Earth. In the Brazilian territory, six structures of impact origin are known so far: Araguainha (MT-GO), Vargeão (SC), Vista Alegre (PR), Cerro do Jarau (RS), Serra da Cangalha (TO) and Riachão (MA). In this study, we focused on Riachão impact structure. This crater is located in Maranhão State of northeastern Brazil (S7º42', W46º38'). This semi-circular complex structure has a diameter of 4.2 km, and is in advanced state of erosion. The region containing the Riachão crater is located in central-west portion of the Parnaíba Basin. The strata in the Riachão area are part of the depositional sequence of the Balsas Group deposited between the Pensylvanian and Permian. The first geological studies on Riachão were made in 1960's and 1980's. In this work, by means of integrating geological field observation, petrographic examination of rock samples, and remote sensing data, we achieved a detailed geological and genetic characterization of the structure. The identified lithostratigraphic units consist of different levels of the Pedra de Fogo Formation, and, possibly, the Piauí Formation. This characterization is different from the one previously proposed. The exposure of such geological units is in accordance with models of complex structures, since the lower unit (Piauí Formation) is exposed at the central uplift, surrounded by the younger strata of the Pedra de Fogo Formation. Regarding macroscopic evidences of impact, we identified highly deformed rocks within Riachão structure exhibiting microscopic deformation features such as böhm lamellae, healed fractures, feather features, planar fractures (PF), fragmented grains and planar deformation features (PDF) were observed. PDF is an unequivocal microscopic shock-diagnostic evidence and its occurrence in Riachão is reported here for the first time. The lineament patterns and morphologic characteristics of the structure point towards a possible oblique impact with the impactor striking from northwest to southeast. We estimated the amount of rocks removed by erosion in the Riachão structure to be about 280 m. The absence of the crater-fill impact breccias, shatter cones, as well as the restricted occurrence of microscopic shock effects, are interpreted as the result of intense and relatively deep erosion after the formation of the initial crater (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12884-5 - Geologic Caracterization of Riachão Impact Structure (MA)
• Grantee: Mariana Velcic Maziviero
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master