Sinéclises intracrâtonicas são pouco deformadas em comparação a outros tipos de bacias sedimentares, sua arquitetura é caracterizada por unidades litoestratigráficas subhorizontais que podem ser acompanhadas por grandes distâncias sem alterações estruturais significativas. O tectonismo concentra-se em alguns locais, tais como zonas de falha e altos estruturais, onde ocorre toda sorte de estruturas geológicas predominatemente rúpteis. Altos estruturais são locais interessantes para o estudo das sinéclises intracratônicas já que o basculamento de camadas propicia o afloramento de diversas unidades estratigráficas em áreas restritas, mas, sobretudo, são regiões propícias para o entendimento de sua evolução tectônica devido à abundância de estruturas aflorantes. Além disso, essas feições possuem grande importância econômica pois tradicionalmente são investigadas como potenciais armazenadores de hidrocarbonetos. Mais recentemente tem sido utilizadas na estocagem de gás combustível e tem-se avaliado seu potencial para armazenamento de gases do efeito estufa. Na Bacia do Paraná existem diversos altos estruturais, dentre os quais destaca-se, por suas dimensões, o Alto Estrutural de Pitanga. Localizado na região centro-leste do Estado de São Paulo, é uma braquianticlinal alongada na direção NNE-SSW. Em mapa possui formato grosseiramente elíptico, atingindo cerca de 30 km de comprimento em seu eixo maior, de direção NNE-SSW, e até 15 km no eixo menor, de direção WNWESE. O presente trabalho buscou caracterizar em detalhe a geometria dessa braquianticlinal mediante a construção de um mapa de contorno estrutural, e analisar os principais estilos estruturais encontrados nessa região. Com isso, tentar elucidar qual regime tectônico e posição do campo de esforços foram responsáveis pela geração do alto estrutural. Na área do Alto Estrutural de Pitanga foram encontrados evidências de regimes tectônicos compressivo, distensivo e transcorrente registrados em seis fases de deformação. Comparando-se a geomertria e orientação espacial da braquianticlinal bem caracterizada pelo mapa de contorno estrutural, e a orientação das estruturas e campo de esforços associados às diferentes fases de deformação, foi possível identificar o provável tectonismo que deu origem a esse alto estrutural, além de estimar a sua idade. Também foi possível avaliar o seu potencial como armadilha para o sistema petrolífero Irati-Pirambóia. / Intracratonic basins are slightly deformed compared to other types of sedimentary basins. The architecture of intracratonic basins are characterized by subhorizontal stratigraphic units which may be followed by large distances without significant structural changes. Deformation is concentraded in specifc sites such as fault zones and structural highs. Structural highs are interesting sites to study intracratonic basins since the tilting of layers provides the outcrop of different stratigraphic units in restricted areas, but most of all, they are conducive regions for the understanding of their tectonic evolution. Moreover, these features are traditionally investigated as potential traps of hydrocarbons. They have been used in the storage of fuel gas and, more recently, has evaluated its potential for storage of greenhouse gases. In Paraná Basin there are several structural highs among which stands out for its dimensions the so called Pitanga Structural High . Located in the central-eastern part of São Paulo State, south east of Brazil, is a gentle NNE-SSW-oriented anticlinal fold. On the map, it has a roughly elliptical geometry, reaching approximately 30 and 15 km in length on its major NNE-SSW and minor WNW-ESE axis, respectively. This study aimed to characterize, in detail, the Pitanga Structural High geometry by constructing a structural contour map, and to analyze the main structural styles found in this region to clarify what tectonic style and orientation of the stress field were responsible for the generation of this anticlinal. There are varied structural styles found in the area of Pitanga Structural High, related to compressive, transcurrent, and extensional tectonic regimes of six distinct deformation phases. By comparing the spatial orientation and geometry of the anticlinal characterized by structural contour map, and orientation of structures and stress field associated to different stages of deformation, it was possible to identify the likely tectonism which led to this structural high and so estimate its age. It was also possible to evaluate its potential as a trap for the petroleum system Irati-Pirambóia.

La plate-forme Saharienne paléozoïque, comprenant les bassins péri-Hoggar (Murzuq, Illizi, Mouydir, Ahnet, Reggane et Tim Mersoï) sont définies comme des bassins intracratoniques. Ils ont été dominés par des mouvements verticaux lents et à grande longueur d'onde, conduisant à une subsidence globale à faible vitesse (i.e. ca. 10 m/Ma à 50 m/Ma) et à l'accumulation d'une couverture sédimentaire étendue de type plate-forme (environnements de dépôts peu profonds), rythmée par des périodes pulsatiles d’augmentation et de diminution du taux de subsidence probablement déclenchées par des événements géodynamiques régionaux. Les mouvements verticaux de la plate-forme ont créé plusieurs arches également appelés dômes, paléo-topographies (e.g. les arches de la Tihemboka, d’Amguid El Biod, d’Arak-Foum Belrem et de l’Azzel Matti) et des bassins (en forme de synclinal) de différentes longueurs d'onde allant de plusieurs centaines à plus de milliers kilomètres. La persistance d’un ensemble assez uniforme de mouvements verticaux semble contrôler l’architecture des bassins, ce qui semble indiquer un contrôle à grande échelle (i.e. lithosphérique). Ce dernier contrôle spatialement et temporellement la dynamique sédimentaire de dépôt et d'érosion. Plusieurs périodes d'érosion majeures ont considérablement tronqué les sédiments préexistants sur de vastes zones, produisant des discordances régionales, restreintes et amalgamées sur les arches, qui séparent la couverture sédimentaire de la plateforme. À travers une approche intégrée multidisciplinaire originale allant d’une analyse géologique de bassin, associant le substrat et l’architecture de bassin à une modélisation thermomécanique numérique de la lithosphère, cette étude a permis de décrypter les facteurs de forçage des bassins intracratoniques de la plate-forme saharienne (bassins péri-Hoggar).L'architecture en Arches-Bassins est mise en évidence par l'identification de structures tectono-sédimentaires (onlap divergents, troncatures…). Cette architecture se caractérise par des variations d'épaisseur et des partitionnements de faciès, organisés par des failles normales planes sub-verticales formant des systèmes d'horst-graben souvent associés à des plis forcés dans la couverture. Connectés et nucléés aux grandes zones de méga-cisaillement, les systèmes d'horst-graben sont inversés (inversion positive) ou réactivés (plis forcés) au cours d'événements géodynamiques successifs (par exemple : extension cambro-ordovicienne, rebond glaciaire ordo-silurien, extension/ compression Siluro-Dévonien «Calédonienne», extension/compression du dévonien tardif et compression «hercynienne»).Formée sous une lithosphère précambrienne de type accrétionnaire héritées de plusieurs paléo-orogénèses (e.g. Eburnéenne, Panafricaine), une zonation des substrats sous l’architecture en Arches-Basins est observée : Les terranes Archéen à Paléoprotérozoïque se situent sous les hauts structuraux et les terranes méso-néo-protérozoïques sous les dépressions.Sur la base de ces observations géologiques et de l’hypothèse de densités différentielles conservées (impliquant un potentiel isostatique) entre les différents terranes accrétées héritées (i.e. les terranes archéennes et protérozoïques) dans la lithosphère, un modèle numérique thermo-mécanique 2D est proposé. Les facteurs de forçage du premier et du second ordre, respectivement caractérisés par de faible taux de subsidence et par leurs déviations cycliques pendant de longues durées (250 Ma), sont bien contraint par le modèle réconciliant aussi l’architecture tectono-stratigraphique singulière en Arches-Basins. Les différentes simulations ont montré l’importance des anomalies thermiques, de la tectonique (faible taux de déformation) et de l’apport externes en sédiments sur la dynamique de ces bassins intracratoniques. Le flux sédimentaire contrôle la vitesse et la durée de remplissage du bassin jusqu'à l'équilibre isostatique (…). / The Paleozoic Saharan platform including the peri-Hoggar Basins (i.e. Murzuq, Illizi, Mouydir, Ahnet, Reggane and Tim Mersoï basins) are defined as intracraonic basins. Their histories have been dominated by slow long-wavelength vertical motions leading to overall low subsidence rate (i.e ca. 10 m/Ma to 50 m/Ma) and accumulation of an extensive cover of platformal sediments (i.e. shallow deposits environments), rhythmed by pulsatile periods of increasing and decreasing rate probably triggered by regional geodynamic events. The vertical motions of the platform produced several arches also called domes, swells, highs, ridges (e.g. the Tihemboka, Amguid El Biod, Arak-Foum Belrem and Azzel Matti Arches) and basins (syncline-shaped) with different wavelengths going from several hundred to more than a thousand kilometres. The persistence of a rather uniform pattern of vertical motions seems to control the architecture of the basins indicating a large-scale control (i.e. lithospheric). This latter controls spatially and temporally the deposition and the erosion dynamics. Several major erosion events significantly truncated the pre-existing sediments over wide areas, producing regional unconformities, especially restricted and amalgamated on arches, which separate the platformal cover into divisions. Through an original multidisciplinary integrated approach going from a geological basin analysis, coupling the substrate and the basin architecture to a numerical thermo-mechanical modelling of the lithosphere, this study has led to decipher the forcing factors of the intracratonic basins of the Saharan platform.The Arches-Basins architecture is highlighted through the identification of tectono-sedimentary structures (growth strata, truncatures…). This architecture is featured by thickness variation and facies portioning, organized by sub-vertical planar normal faults (sometimes blind faults) forming horst-graben systems associated with forced folding in the cover. Connected and nucleated to major mega-shear zones, horst-graben systems are inverted (positive inversion) or reactivated (forced folds) during successive geodynamic events (e.g. Cambro-Ordovician extension, Ordo-Silurian glacial rebound, Siluro-Devonian “Caledonian” extension/compression, late Devonian extension/compression and “Hercynian” compression).Formed under a Precambrian lithosphere of accretionary type, inherited during several paleo-orogenies (e.g. Eburnean, Pan-African), a substrates zonation of the Arches-Basins framework is described, where the Archean to Paleoproterozoic terranes are forming the structural highs and the Meso-Neoproterozoic terranes the structural lows.Based on these geological observations and the hypothesis of conserved differential densities (implying an isostatic potential) between the inherited different accreted terranes in the lithosphere (i.e. archean and proterozoic terranes), a 2D thermo-mechanical numerical model is proposed. The first and second order forcing factors, respectively recorded in the subsidence rate pattern by the low long-lived and by their cyclic deviations, are well constrained reconciling the singular Arches-Basins tectono-stratigraphic architecture. The different simulations have shown the importance of thermal anomaly, tectonics (weak strain rate) and external sediment supply on the dynamic of these intracratonic basins. Where, sediment flux controls the speed and the duration of basin infill until achievement of the isostatic equilibrium. The thermal anomaly and the tectonics compel the tectono-stratigraphic complexification such as the arches framework (intra-arches, boundary secondary arches…) and the stratigraphy architecture (wedges, diachronic unconformities) (…).

As indicated by drilling and geophysical data, the Mississippi Valley Graben, the Rough Creek Graben, together with the Rome Trough of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, are fault-bounded graben structures filled with as much as 27,000 feet of Early to Middle Cambrian sediments. Detailed regional mapping of Cambrian and younger strata within and surrounding these structures indicates that they formed contemporaneously. The proximity of these structures suggests they developed within the same regional stress fields and tectonic environments. These three structures are mechanically and kinematically connected, and formed part of a single continent-scale rift system produced during the breakup of Rodinia and the separation of Laurentia from Amazonia. Data including stratigraphic tops from 1,764 wells, interpretations of 106 seismic profiles, aeromagnetic and gravity survey analysis, and mapped surface geology and structures were used within this project. Seven stratigraphic packages resolvable in both geophysical well logs and reflection seismic profiles were mapped in the subsurface across parts of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee. These stratigraphic units were then analyzed through structure maps, isopachous maps, and across 12 regional well-based cross sections. Detailed analysis of thickness patterns of seven major stratigraphic packages was used to identify the locations and timing of major fault movements within the study area. The regional patterns of fault movements through time were used to investigate how the structures evolved in response to the tectonic episodes in southeastern Laurentia during the Cambrian through Devonian Periods. Active rifting of the Precambrian crystalline bedrock began by the Early Cambrian, and resulted in a thick deposit of Reelfoot Arkose and Eau Claire Formation within the Mississippi Valley and Rough Creek Grabens, and the Rome Formation and Conasauga Group within the Rome Trough. Major tectonic extension ended by the Late Cambrian, prior to the deposition of the Knox Supergroup. Counter-clockwise rotation of the regional sigma-1 stress field between the Middle Ordovician and Early Mississippian (Taconic through Acadian Orogenies) resulted in the reactivation of varying sets of preexisting faults through time. The locations, orientations, and timing of these active faults relate to the deep architecture of the rift system.

Sinéclises intracrâtonicas são pouco deformadas em comparação a outros tipos de bacias sedimentares, sua arquitetura é caracterizada por unidades litoestratigráficas subhorizontais que podem ser acompanhadas por grandes distâncias sem alterações estruturais significativas. O tectonismo concentra-se em alguns locais, tais como zonas de falha e altos estruturais, onde ocorre toda sorte de estruturas geológicas predominatemente rúpteis. Altos estruturais são locais interessantes para o estudo das sinéclises intracratônicas já que o basculamento de camadas propicia o afloramento de diversas unidades estratigráficas em áreas restritas, mas, sobretudo, são regiões propícias para o entendimento de sua evolução tectônica devido à abundância de estruturas aflorantes. Além disso, essas feições possuem grande importância econômica pois tradicionalmente são investigadas como potenciais armazenadores de hidrocarbonetos. Mais recentemente tem sido utilizadas na estocagem de gás combustível e tem-se avaliado seu potencial para armazenamento de gases do efeito estufa. Na Bacia do Paraná existem diversos altos estruturais, dentre os quais destaca-se, por suas dimensões, o Alto Estrutural de Pitanga. Localizado na região centro-leste do Estado de São Paulo, é uma braquianticlinal alongada na direção NNE-SSW. Em mapa possui formato grosseiramente elíptico, atingindo cerca de 30 km de comprimento em seu eixo maior, de direção NNE-SSW, e até 15 km no eixo menor, de direção WNWESE. O presente trabalho buscou caracterizar em detalhe a geometria dessa braquianticlinal mediante a construção de um mapa de contorno estrutural, e analisar os principais estilos estruturais encontrados nessa região. Com isso, tentar elucidar qual regime tectônico e posição do campo de esforços foram responsáveis pela geração do alto estrutural. Na área do Alto Estrutural de Pitanga foram encontrados evidências de regimes tectônicos compressivo, distensivo e transcorrente registrados em seis fases de deformação. Comparando-se a geomertria e orientação espacial da braquianticlinal bem caracterizada pelo mapa de contorno estrutural, e a orientação das estruturas e campo de esforços associados às diferentes fases de deformação, foi possível identificar o provável tectonismo que deu origem a esse alto estrutural, além de estimar a sua idade. Também foi possível avaliar o seu potencial como armadilha para o sistema petrolífero Irati-Pirambóia. / Intracratonic basins are slightly deformed compared to other types of sedimentary basins. The architecture of intracratonic basins are characterized by subhorizontal stratigraphic units which may be followed by large distances without significant structural changes. Deformation is concentraded in specifc sites such as fault zones and structural highs. Structural highs are interesting sites to study intracratonic basins since the tilting of layers provides the outcrop of different stratigraphic units in restricted areas, but most of all, they are conducive regions for the understanding of their tectonic evolution. Moreover, these features are traditionally investigated as potential traps of hydrocarbons. They have been used in the storage of fuel gas and, more recently, has evaluated its potential for storage of greenhouse gases. In Paraná Basin there are several structural highs among which stands out for its dimensions the so called Pitanga Structural High . Located in the central-eastern part of São Paulo State, south east of Brazil, is a gentle NNE-SSW-oriented anticlinal fold. On the map, it has a roughly elliptical geometry, reaching approximately 30 and 15 km in length on its major NNE-SSW and minor WNW-ESE axis, respectively. This study aimed to characterize, in detail, the Pitanga Structural High geometry by constructing a structural contour map, and to analyze the main structural styles found in this region to clarify what tectonic style and orientation of the stress field were responsible for the generation of this anticlinal. There are varied structural styles found in the area of Pitanga Structural High, related to compressive, transcurrent, and extensional tectonic regimes of six distinct deformation phases. By comparing the spatial orientation and geometry of the anticlinal characterized by structural contour map, and orientation of structures and stress field associated to different stages of deformation, it was possible to identify the likely tectonism which led to this structural high and so estimate its age. It was also possible to evaluate its potential as a trap for the petroleum system Irati-Pirambóia.

The Ottawa Embayment is a intracratonic rift basin that preserves a unique and eventful history through deep time. Its evolution records opening of the Iapetus Ocean with the break-up of Rodinia, followed by the formation of a continental passive margin, trapping siliciclastic sediments eroded from the adjacent Grenville Province. Samples were collected from a transect across the crystalline rift flank and through the embayment. We investigate the influence of crystallinitiy and non-ideal crystal chapes on He diffusion and resulting zircon (U-Th)/He age with the use of zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronometry, raman spectroscopy and x-ray micro-computed tomography. We then integrate our thermochronology data with regional geology to utilize multi-sample numerical modelling to improve our understanding of the thermal history of the Ottawa Embayment and the evolution of intracratonic rift basins. The works collected within define a comprehensive temperature-time history for the basin and rift flank from the Late-Mesoproterozoic to present day.

<p> SE Botswana, located in the NW part of the Kaapvaal Craton is a long lived tectonically stable environment dominated by brittle deformation for more than 2.6 Ga. </p> <p> Relative chronologies in the development of fractures are rationalized according to major unconformities that developed during the Proterozoic in areas around Moshaneng and Kanye in SE Botswana. Periods of brittle deformation are divided into pre-Transvaal Supergroup, post-Transvaal Supergroup/ pre-Waterberg Group and post-Waterberg Group times. Pre-Transvaal lineaments trend ENE and NE and were probably formed as fractures in a rifting environment Dikes are intruded along some of these lineaments. Post-Transvaal/ pre-Waterberg fractures consist of strike-slip faults that form a conjugate system of two major sets trending NE and NW. These fractures probably formed as a result of E-W compression. The displacement along the NE trending faults depicts reactivation along pre-existing fractures. Regional patterns of fault termination are discemable. Epidermal folds and thrusts were produced in the Transvaal Supergroup rocks. Rotational bulk strain is locally significant. PostWaterberg deformation was dominated by dip-slip faults, vertical displacements and drape folds. </p> <p> An orthogonal system of bedding-normal joints predominates in the layered rocks. Inversion of the relative magnitudes of a2 and a3 probably accounts for a two phase tensile failure of layered rocks during the formation of the joint system. A diagonal system of bedding normal joints is superimposed on the orthogonal system possibly because of pre-existing folds that perturb the remote stress field. Joint spacings have a negatively skewed normal frequency distribution. Systematic joints show that spacing of set1 <set2 <set3 <set4. </p> <p> Relics of joint patterns in chert breccia provide insight about post-Transvaal/ pre-Waterberg karstification residuum. The joint pattern accounts for the initial process of fragmentation that resulted in the formation of chert breccia. </p> <p> On the subcontinental scale, high strain tectonic belts provide a chronology of large scale stress fields that could explain the intracratonic brittle deformations. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Cette thèse présente la première étude Source-to-Sink de la marge Atlantique Equatoriale africaine au Méso-Cénozoïque. Nous avons dans un premier temps produit, à partir d'une nouvelle méthode intégrant les limites d'érosion des dépôts préservés dans les bassins et leur extension initiale minimum, une nouvelle reconstruction paléogéographique et structurale couplant pour la première fois le continent ouest africain et l'Atlantique Equatoriale au cours du Méso-Cénozoïque. Ceci nous permet de suivre l'évolution depuis 200 Ma des domaines en érosion (sources) et en sédimentation (puits) à l'échelle continentale. Nous montrons en particulier qu'au Crétacé supérieur la zone correspondait à un grand bassin intracratonique Saharien qui exportaient ses sédiments à la fois vers la Téthys et vers l'Atlantique Equatoriale. La fragmentation de ce bassin a eu lieu à l'Oligocène par le soulèvement du bouclier du Hoggar qui a isolé les petits dépôt-centres résiduels actuels. Le développement de cette topographie particulière est issu de la superposition de différentes longueurs d'onde de déformation à l'échelle continentale combinant les bourrelets marginaux longeant la marge équatoriale et un bombement de type " point chaud ".Nous avons ensuite caractérisé, à partir de l'interprétation des données sismiques et des puits, la segmentation de la marge continentale équatoriale en segments transformants et divergents et l'architecture stratigraphique post-rift du prisme stratigraphique associée au Crétacé Supérieur. Nous montrons que les parties proximales (dépôts de plateforme et pente continentale) des prismes stratigraphiques du Crétacé Supérieur ne sont préservés que le long des segments divergents de la marge, et pas le long des segments transformants. Nous interprétons cette différence de préservation comme résultant de mouvements verticaux post-rift plus importants dans les domaines proximaux des segments transformants empêchant la préservation des termes proximaux des systèmes sédimentaires. La caractérisation des architectures stratigraphiques post-rifts a ensuite permis la quantification des volumes sédimentaires préservés dans ces bassins de marges passives. En parallèle, de nouvelles données de thermochronologie basse-température (AFTA et (U-Th-Sm/He sur apatite) acquises à l'Université de Glasgow sur les échantillons de trois profils perpendiculaires à la marge équatoriale ont permis de quantifier l'histoire de l'érosion et les volumes dénudés sur le domaine continental au cours du Méso-Cénozoïque. Ces données montrent que le seul événement thermique majeur enregistré correspond au refroidissement lié à la dénudation d'une topographie syn-rift le long de la marge. Le bilan d'érosion et d'accumulation montre que les ordres de grandeur des volumes dénudés et accumulés sont comparables à l'échelle de la marge équatoriale au cours du Méso-Cénozoïque. Certaines périodes (Crétacé Supérieur et depuis le Miocène Supérieur), montrent cependant un excès d'accumulation qui pourrait être associé à la remobilisation de sédiments précédemment stockés dans des bassins intracontinentaux ou sur la plateforme de la marge. / This PhD thesis presents the first source-to-sink study of the African Atlantic Equatorial margin. We established new Meso-Cenozoic paleogeographic and structural reconstructions, integrating the West African sub-continent and the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean, based on a new mapping method defining both erosion limits of preserved deposits and their minimum original extension. We show the evolution over 200 Myrs of the eroding (sources) and accumulating domains (sinks) at continental scale. We demonstrate in particular that during the Cretaceous, a large Saharan intracratonic basin was exporting sediments toward both the Tethys and the future Atlantic Equatorial Ocean. The fragmentation of this basin occurred in the Oligocene, by the growth of the Hoggar swell that isolated the present-day small residual depot-centers. The development of this specific "basin and swell" topography results from the superimposition of various deformation wavelength at continental scale combining a marginal upwarp along the equatorial margin and a hot spot swell. We then characterized, from the interpretation of seismic data and well logs, the segmentation of the Equatorial Atlantic passive margin and the stratigraphic architecture of the post-rift Upper Cretaceous sedimentary wedge. We show that the proximal parts of the Late Cretaceous sedimentary wedge are only preserved along divergent segments of the margin and not along transform segments. We interpret this differential preservation as the result of a greater uplift, during the early post-rift, in the proximal parts of the transform segments preventing the preservation of the proximal terms of the sedimentary systems. The transform segments are associated with narrow necking zone, resulting in greater flexural uplift than divergent segments showing wider necking zones, in particular during the early post-rift. The characterization of the stratigraphic architecture of the post-rift sedimentary wedge then allowed for the quantification of accumulation history in the passive margin basins. New low-temperature thermochronological data (AFTA and Apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He) acquired at the University of Glasgow on the samples of three regional transects perpendicular to the margin allowed for the quantification of the denudation history and eroded volume on the continental domain. These data shows that the major thermal event recorded by those samples is the cooling phase related to the erosion of a rift-related topography along the margin. Erosion and accumulation budgets fall within the same order of magnitude. During some given periods (Late Cretaceous and since the Late Miocene), excess in accumulation may be associated with the reworking of sediments previously stored within intracontinental basins or on the shelf of the margin.