Alguns afloramentos das bacias de Icó, Malhada Vermelha e Lima Campos(Cretáceo Inferior), Estado do Ceará, foram estudados objetivando compreender os ambientes deposicionais onde foram preservados os fósseis de vertebrados.Estes fósseis encontram-se desarticulados e fragmentados, entre outras características. Através do levantamento destes dados, foi possível estabelecer modelos tafonômicos para cada afloramento, e, tentativamente, distinguir os diversos modos de preservação destes restos fossilizados. Observou-se que o padrão de formação destas tafocenoses está relacionado a ambientes altamente energéticos, como em depósitos relacionados a eventos de rompimento de diques marginais (crevasse splay), onde elementos que já se encontravam desarticulados eram transportados, causando a intensa fragmentação dos mesmos. / Some outcrops from Icó, Malhada Vermelha and Lima Campos basins (Early Cretaceous), State of Ceará, were studied for a better understanding of the depositional systems where vertebrate fossils were preserved. These fossils were found disarticulated, fragmented, among others features. Through of these data, it was possible to determinate taphonomic models for each outcrop, and, tentatively, to distinguish the different ways of preservation of those fossils. It was observed that the formation pattern of those taphocenoses are related with highly energetic environments, like crevasse splay, where the disarticulated elements were transported, causing the intense fragmentation of the bones.

A Bacia de Campos está limitada pelo Alto de Vitória ao Norte e pelo Alto de Florianópolis ao sul, possuindo uma área de aproximadamente 100.000 km2. Sua seção rifte é composta pela porção basal a mediana do Grupo Lagoa Feia, e inclui a principal rocha geradora da bacia, reconhecidamente rica em matéria orgânica, sendo a maior produtora de hidrocarbonetos do Brasil, e rochas reservatório carbonáticas. O presente estudo foca sua análise no intervalo rifte, onde foi realizada uma interpretação e mapeamento sistemático de linhas sísmicas 2D em uma área chave da bacia. Esta análise é baseada em adaptações de modelos já existentes de evolução de bacias rifte, e nos conceitos de estratigrafia de sequências aplicados à sismoestratigrafia. Através da interpretação e mapeamento das seções sísmicas, foi possível elaborar um modelo evolutivo para a fase inicial da Bacia de Campos, com a elaboração de uma carta cronoestratigráfica e estabelecimento dos tratos de sistemas que distinguem as diferentes fases de evolução dos meio-grábens reconhecidos. O resultado foi a delimitação de três tratos de sistemas tectônicos, que permitiram uma compreensão detalhada da complexa evolução e desenvolvimento das calhas da Bacia de Campos durante a fase rifte. / The Campos Basin is limited northward by the Vitória High and southward by the Florianópolis High, with an area of approximately 100,000 km2. The rift section in the Campos Basin comprises the basal and median portions of the Lagoa Feia Group, and includes the main source rocks in the basin, which is known to be rich in organic matter and is the best hydrocarbon producer in Brazil, as well as carbonate reservoir rocks. The present study focuses its analysis on the rift section, where a systematic mapping and interpretation of 2D seismic lines in a key area of the basin was carried out. This analysis is based on adaptations of existing evolution models for rift basins, and the concepts of sequence stratigraphy applied to seismic stratigraphy. Through the interpretation and mapping of seismic sections, it was possible to propose an evolution model for the initial phase of the Campos Basin, with the construction of a chronostratigraphic chart and the establishment of systems tracts that distinguish different stages on the evolution of the recognized half-grabens. The result was the delimitation of three tectonic systems tracts that allowed the detailed understanding of the complex evolution and trough development of the Campos Basin during the rift phase.

Alguns afloramentos das bacias de Icó, Malhada Vermelha e Lima Campos(Cretáceo Inferior), Estado do Ceará, foram estudados objetivando compreender os ambientes deposicionais onde foram preservados os fósseis de vertebrados.Estes fósseis encontram-se desarticulados e fragmentados, entre outras características. Através do levantamento destes dados, foi possível estabelecer modelos tafonômicos para cada afloramento, e, tentativamente, distinguir os diversos modos de preservação destes restos fossilizados. Observou-se que o padrão de formação destas tafocenoses está relacionado a ambientes altamente energéticos, como em depósitos relacionados a eventos de rompimento de diques marginais (crevasse splay), onde elementos que já se encontravam desarticulados eram transportados, causando a intensa fragmentação dos mesmos. / Some outcrops from Icó, Malhada Vermelha and Lima Campos basins (Early Cretaceous), State of Ceará, were studied for a better understanding of the depositional systems where vertebrate fossils were preserved. These fossils were found disarticulated, fragmented, among others features. Through of these data, it was possible to determinate taphonomic models for each outcrop, and, tentatively, to distinguish the different ways of preservation of those fossils. It was observed that the formation pattern of those taphocenoses are related with highly energetic environments, like crevasse splay, where the disarticulated elements were transported, causing the intense fragmentation of the bones.

A Bacia de Campos está limitada pelo Alto de Vitória ao Norte e pelo Alto de Florianópolis ao sul, possuindo uma área de aproximadamente 100.000 km2. Sua seção rifte é composta pela porção basal a mediana do Grupo Lagoa Feia, e inclui a principal rocha geradora da bacia, reconhecidamente rica em matéria orgânica, sendo a maior produtora de hidrocarbonetos do Brasil, e rochas reservatório carbonáticas. O presente estudo foca sua análise no intervalo rifte, onde foi realizada uma interpretação e mapeamento sistemático de linhas sísmicas 2D em uma área chave da bacia. Esta análise é baseada em adaptações de modelos já existentes de evolução de bacias rifte, e nos conceitos de estratigrafia de sequências aplicados à sismoestratigrafia. Através da interpretação e mapeamento das seções sísmicas, foi possível elaborar um modelo evolutivo para a fase inicial da Bacia de Campos, com a elaboração de uma carta cronoestratigráfica e estabelecimento dos tratos de sistemas que distinguem as diferentes fases de evolução dos meio-grábens reconhecidos. O resultado foi a delimitação de três tratos de sistemas tectônicos, que permitiram uma compreensão detalhada da complexa evolução e desenvolvimento das calhas da Bacia de Campos durante a fase rifte. / The Campos Basin is limited northward by the Vitória High and southward by the Florianópolis High, with an area of approximately 100,000 km2. The rift section in the Campos Basin comprises the basal and median portions of the Lagoa Feia Group, and includes the main source rocks in the basin, which is known to be rich in organic matter and is the best hydrocarbon producer in Brazil, as well as carbonate reservoir rocks. The present study focuses its analysis on the rift section, where a systematic mapping and interpretation of 2D seismic lines in a key area of the basin was carried out. This analysis is based on adaptations of existing evolution models for rift basins, and the concepts of sequence stratigraphy applied to seismic stratigraphy. Through the interpretation and mapping of seismic sections, it was possible to propose an evolution model for the initial phase of the Campos Basin, with the construction of a chronostratigraphic chart and the establishment of systems tracts that distinguish different stages on the evolution of the recognized half-grabens. The result was the delimitation of three tectonic systems tracts that allowed the detailed understanding of the complex evolution and trough development of the Campos Basin during the rift phase.

Alguns afloramentos das bacias de Icó, Malhada Vermelha e Lima Campos(Cretáceo Inferior), Estado do Ceará, foram estudados objetivando compreender os ambientes deposicionais onde foram preservados os fósseis de vertebrados.Estes fósseis encontram-se desarticulados e fragmentados, entre outras características. Através do levantamento destes dados, foi possível estabelecer modelos tafonômicos para cada afloramento, e, tentativamente, distinguir os diversos modos de preservação destes restos fossilizados. Observou-se que o padrão de formação destas tafocenoses está relacionado a ambientes altamente energéticos, como em depósitos relacionados a eventos de rompimento de diques marginais (crevasse splay), onde elementos que já se encontravam desarticulados eram transportados, causando a intensa fragmentação dos mesmos. / Some outcrops from Icó, Malhada Vermelha and Lima Campos basins (Early Cretaceous), State of Ceará, were studied for a better understanding of the depositional systems where vertebrate fossils were preserved. These fossils were found disarticulated, fragmented, among others features. Through of these data, it was possible to determinate taphonomic models for each outcrop, and, tentatively, to distinguish the different ways of preservation of those fossils. It was observed that the formation pattern of those taphocenoses are related with highly energetic environments, like crevasse splay, where the disarticulated elements were transported, causing the intense fragmentation of the bones.

A Bacia de Campos está limitada pelo Alto de Vitória ao Norte e pelo Alto de Florianópolis ao sul, possuindo uma área de aproximadamente 100.000 km2. Sua seção rifte é composta pela porção basal a mediana do Grupo Lagoa Feia, e inclui a principal rocha geradora da bacia, reconhecidamente rica em matéria orgânica, sendo a maior produtora de hidrocarbonetos do Brasil, e rochas reservatório carbonáticas. O presente estudo foca sua análise no intervalo rifte, onde foi realizada uma interpretação e mapeamento sistemático de linhas sísmicas 2D em uma área chave da bacia. Esta análise é baseada em adaptações de modelos já existentes de evolução de bacias rifte, e nos conceitos de estratigrafia de sequências aplicados à sismoestratigrafia. Através da interpretação e mapeamento das seções sísmicas, foi possível elaborar um modelo evolutivo para a fase inicial da Bacia de Campos, com a elaboração de uma carta cronoestratigráfica e estabelecimento dos tratos de sistemas que distinguem as diferentes fases de evolução dos meio-grábens reconhecidos. O resultado foi a delimitação de três tratos de sistemas tectônicos, que permitiram uma compreensão detalhada da complexa evolução e desenvolvimento das calhas da Bacia de Campos durante a fase rifte. / The Campos Basin is limited northward by the Vitória High and southward by the Florianópolis High, with an area of approximately 100,000 km2. The rift section in the Campos Basin comprises the basal and median portions of the Lagoa Feia Group, and includes the main source rocks in the basin, which is known to be rich in organic matter and is the best hydrocarbon producer in Brazil, as well as carbonate reservoir rocks. The present study focuses its analysis on the rift section, where a systematic mapping and interpretation of 2D seismic lines in a key area of the basin was carried out. This analysis is based on adaptations of existing evolution models for rift basins, and the concepts of sequence stratigraphy applied to seismic stratigraphy. Through the interpretation and mapping of seismic sections, it was possible to propose an evolution model for the initial phase of the Campos Basin, with the construction of a chronostratigraphic chart and the establishment of systems tracts that distinguish different stages on the evolution of the recognized half-grabens. The result was the delimitation of three tectonic systems tracts that allowed the detailed understanding of the complex evolution and trough development of the Campos Basin during the rift phase.

A Formação Crato, localizada na bacia do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil, contém um dos registros fossíferos vegetais mais importantes do Cretáceo Inferior. Estes fósseis apresentam excelente estado de preservação, no geral, com pouca fragmentação, órgãos em conexão e estruturas epidérmicas e anatômicas delicadamente substituídas por óxidos de ferro. Como acontecia globalmente, as gimnospermas eram o grupo vegetal dominante na paleoflora eocretácea da Formação Crato, ocorrendo na forma de Bennettitales, Coniferales e Gnetales. As Bennettitales foram um componente aparentemente raro, estando representado pelas espécies Otozamites sp. e Zamites sp. Dentre as Coniferales, encontram-se as famílias Araucariaceae e Cheirolepidiaceae, as Araucariaceae registradas nas espécies Araucarites vulcanoi Duarte e Araucarites kunzmanni sp. nov.; as Cheirolepidiaceae, o grupo mais diverso, estão representadas pelas espécies Brachyphyllum obesum Heer, Brachyphyllum ponsi sp. nov., Brachyphyllum araripense sp. nov., Tomaxellia aff. T. biforme Archangelsky, Toxamellia aff. T. degiustoi e Pseudofrenelopsis sp. As Gnetales ocorrem na forma das espécies Limaephyton cratense gen. et sp. nov., Limaephyton duartei gen. et sp. nov. e Limaephytophyllum mohrium gen. et sp. nov. Características morfológicas, epidérmicas e anatômicas presentes nos macrofitofósseis da Formação Crato, evidenciam adaptações a um ambiente de baixa umidade. Esta flora se desenvolveu dentro da Região Equatorial, numa área intracontinental sob condições climáticas áridas e semi-áridas. / Crato Formation, located in the Araripe Basin, Northeastern Brazil, bears one of the most important Lower Cretaceous fóssil plant Record. The fossils have an excellent preservation, usually low fragmentated, with attached organs and epidermic and anatomic features delicatedly replaced by iron oxides. As it happens worldwide, gymnosperms were the dominant group in the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation paleoflora, existing as Bennettitales, Coniferales e Gnetales. Bennettitales were an apparently scarce component, represented by the species Otozamites sp. and Zamites sp. Between the Coniferales, are the families Araucariaceae and Cheirolepidiaceae, the Araucariaceae recorded by the species Araucarites vulcanoi Duarte and Araucarites kunzmanni sp. nov.; Cheirolepidiaceae, the most diverse group, is registered by species Brachyphyllum obesum Heer, Brachyphyllum ponsi sp. nov., Brachyphyllum araripense sp. nov., Tomaxellia aff. T. biforme Archangelsky, Toxamellia aff. T. degiustoi e Pseudofrenelopsis sp. As Gnetales are documented by the species Limaephyton duartei gen. et sp. nov. and Limaephytophyllum mohrium gen. et sp. nov. Morphologic, epidermic and anatomic features founded in the plant fossils from Crato Formation, evidence low moisture environment adaptations. That flora was developed in the Equatorial Region, in an intracontinental area with arid to semi-arid climatic conditions.

During the Early Cretaceous a regionally extensive cover of dominantly siliciclastic sediments was deposited across the North African continental margin. Historically, these siliciclastic sediments have been considered to be a relatively homogeneous lithofacies known as the ‘Nubian sandstone’. This lithofacies is generally described as coarse grained, cross-bedded sandstone and is ascribed to a braided fluvial depositional environment. However, there have been few detailed sedimentological studies carried out on these sediments. Furthermore, the stratigraphic relationships between regional Early Cretaceous continental strata in different North African countries has only briefly been described and has only locally been related to equivalent marine deposits. In order to address these problems, this study focuses upon two main approaches. Firstly, outcrop analysis of the Messak Fm (SW Libya) and the Sidi Aïch Fm (C Tunisia) details and contrasts the lithofacies variability of Early Cretaceous siliciclastic sediments in North Africa. Secondly, a unified stratigraphic framework is erected for the Early Cretaceous of Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt and the palaeogeographic evolution is reconstructed. Detailed sedimentological investigation of the Messak Fm has identified greater variation in lithofacies and depositional processes than was previously recognised. By lithostratigraphic correlation with outcrops in northwest Libya, we show a fluvial system transported sediment northward into a wide fluvio-paralic basin covering western Libya. Several episodes of marine influence culminating in a distinct and regionally correlatable transgressive episode are identified. This is the first time that marine influence has been identified in the Murzuq Basin and increases the maximum known extent of marine transgression in the Early Cretaceous of Libya by 600km. The sedimentology of the Messak Fm is contrasted with the sandstone dominated Sidi Aïch Fm which, although showing similar lithofacies, was deposited in a marginal-shallow marine environment.Building upon previous reviews and new insights from the Messak Fm and Sidi Aïch Fm, a synthesis and reinterpretation of the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of sediments and depositional environments in this region throughout the Early Cretaceous is presented. During the Berriasian-Barremian, the North African platform coastline was dominated by a dry subtropical climate with moderate vegetation. The interior of the platform experienced a Savannah-like semi-arid climate with limited vegetation and palaeosol development but was crossed by extensive fluvial networks draining the equatorial tropics. During the Late Barremian-Early Aptian, simultaneous aridification and marine transgression led to a decreased detrital flux to the marginal basins and widespread deposition of marine carbonates and mudstones. During the Late Aptian-Albian the platform returned to a humid tropical climate. Widespread coarse grained fluvial sediments mark the base of this sequence and palaeosols occur locally. The results of this work have implications for the development and controls of large-scale fluvio-paralic systems and illustrate the fact that, in a limited accommodation epicontinental setting, relative sea-level may be the key control on sedimentation and depositional processes for many hundreds of kilometres inland of the lowstand coastline.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Durban Basin located on the eastern coast of South Africa has been a focus of interest for Petroleum Exploration for the last few decades. Only four exploratory wells have been drilled in this offshore basin without success. During the initial stage of its creation, the basin suffered major tectonic disturbance as evident from the presence extensional faults followed by intense igneous activities. This was followed by marine sedimentation in the late Mesozoic (late Jurassic-early Cretaceous). An attempt has been made in this work to understand the distribution of the rock in space and time for the early Cretaceous sediments considered most prospective for hydrocarbon exploration in Southern Africa. Temporal distribution of planktonic foraminifera helps in identification of the three early Cretaceous (Barremian to Albian) stages within the drilled intervals. Foraminiferal biostratigraphic studies integrated with sedimentology, log motif analysis and seismic data analysis helps to predict paleodepth and depositional environment during early Cretaceous in this research. The integrated analysis reveals that during the Barremian-early Aptian stages graben filled sediments were deposited in a marine shelf in the northern part of the studied area (site Jc-D1) whereas, in the central and southern part finer clastics were deposited in middle slope (site Jc-B1 and Jc-C1). The thick claystone section and presence of minor limestone lenses and their benthic foraminifera assemblage in late Aptian-Albian stage in the northern area indicates possibility of submarine fan. Overlying succession dated between late Aptian to Albian and early part of Cenomanian interval in the three studied exploratory wells shows serrated log signatures. The dominant claystone lithology with intermittent siltstone/sandstone units and the benthic foraminifera indicates fluctuating distal marine slope environment with periodic shallowness in the entire area.

The Mesozoic is punctuated by several rapid global warming events that are marked by the worldwide deposition of organic-rich marine sediments. These events, known as oceanic anoxic events (OAEs), are characterised by intervals where the worldwide carbon cycle suffers a disruption due to major palaeoceanographic and climatic shifts, leading to anoxic marine environments and the creation of black shales. For this study, the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a), which occurred during the Early Cretaceous Aptian age (~120 Ma) was analysed. It was likely triggered by the Greater Ontong Java underwater volcanic event and is associated with major changes in marine environments and ecosystems, including nekton and plankton turnover, and sea water composition changes. The impact of this event on terrestrial land-based ecosystems is, however, less well understood. Here I document well preserved and diverse spore-pollen assemblages spanning OAE 1a from southern Sweden by examining the Höllviken I core. Before the OAE, palynofloras are dominated by conifers, suggestive of a relatively mild and dry coastal environment. At the onset of the OAE a fern spike occurs, where there is a shift to early successional stage vegetation. Gymnosperm diversity and abundance sharply decrease, and the palynofloral assemblages become dominated by ferns, indicating a shift to warm and wet conditions. Gymnosperms gradually recover thereafter, but the formerly abundant conifer pollen Classopollis does not recover and remains rare. Dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal test linings increase in abundance after OAE 1a, suggesting a higher degree of marine influence. These findings show that OAE 1a had a substantial impact on the composition and diversity of high latitude terrestrial vegetation and marine plankton communities. / <p>The work for this thesis was financially supported by the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree PANGEA programme.</p>