Post-rift geomorphological evolution of a passive continental margin (Paraíba region, northeastern Brazil): Insights from river profile and drainage divide analysis

Morphostructural influence and neotectonic activity in the geomorphological configuration of southeast Paraíba and northeast Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Consequently, the Barreiras Formation provides an exceptional record of knickpoint propagation [ 53 ]. Thus, the examination of knickpoints to detect tectonic activity has been applied in studies of passive continental margins within Brazil, as demonstrated by research from Alves et al (2019; 2020; 2022) [ 4 , 10 , 13 ], Gimenez et al (2022) [ 54 ], and De Campos et al (2023) [ 55 ]. Notably, in the area under study, which is characterized by sedimentary terrain, the mapping of knickpoints represents a novel approach, having not been previously documented in research.…”

“…Transitional features recorded in the Precambrian highlands and coastal plains indicate that the Paraíba region experienced topographic rejuvenation in recent geological time due to fluvial disturbances. According to Alves et al (2022) [ 13 ], this region was shaped by recent tectonic uplift, likely due to the reactivation of the Upper Pleistocene normal fault that delineates the left margin of the Cariatá Graben [ 19 ]. As evidence, it is noted that the highest areas (up to 180 m in altitude) are covered by younger deposits, i.e., post-Barreiras Quaternary sediments.…”

“…As evidence, it is noted that the highest areas (up to 180 m in altitude) are covered by younger deposits, i.e., post-Barreiras Quaternary sediments. Alves et al (2022) [ 13 ] further highlighted that tectonic uplift would have raised the basement rocks and overlying marine deposits, followed by fluvial incision and partial dissection of both the plateau and the existing domes in the study area.…”

“…The geological characteristics, rock types, faults, and folds in the Southeast sector of Paraíba and the Northeast of Pernambuco are inadequately documented, reflecting a gap in the literature concerning the interrelationships between geology, tectonics, topography, and hydrography in the development of geomorphological features and the configuration of the drainage network in this region [ 12 , 13 ]. The evolution of terrain in northeastern Brazil has predominantly been attributed to climatic influences, given the region's location on the eastern passive margin of South America.…”