Ecos da separação

Pesquisa FAPESP
26 Mar 201505:01

Summary

TLDRThe video explores the geological history of the South Atlantic Ocean, focusing on the separation of Brazil and Africa around 120 million years ago. It highlights the discovery of continental crust fragments found far beyond where they were expected, challenging the traditional model of oceanic formation. The research led by Professor Roberto Ventura and CPRM reveals tectonic reactivations and an unusual age range of rock fragments, dating back to 500 million years. The study is part of a broader international effort, which connects findings in South America and Africa, offering insights into mineral deposits, paleoclimatic changes, and geotectonic evolution.

Takeaways

  • 😀 120 million years ago, an ocean started to open between the Southern and Northern regions, leading to the separation of Brazil from the African continent.
  • 😀 On both the African and South American sides, there was continental crust, with oceanic crust developing over time.
  • 😀 A surprising discovery of continental crust fragments was made over 1000 km from where oceanic crust was expected, prompting further study.
  • 😀 The research was conducted by the CPRM and Professor Roberto Ventura from UnB, focusing on the Southeastern Brazil region.
  • 😀 The study revealed tectonic reactivations over several periods from 120 million years ago to 20 million years ago, suggesting significant continental geological events.
  • 😀 This research aligns with findings in Angola and South Africa, providing a broader perspective on the geological history of these regions.
  • 😀 Continental rocks like gneisses, granulites, and granites were found, indicating the presence of continental crust rather than oceanic crust.
  • 😀 The discovered rocks' ages ranged from 1 billion years to 500 million years, which is much older than the expected 120 million years in the region.
  • 😀 The findings challenge the traditional model of the South Atlantic Ocean's opening, suggesting that pieces of continental crust may have been left behind during the ocean's expansion.
  • 😀 The study highlights the impact of the Atlantic Ocean's opening on paleoclimatic changes, particularly the evolution of Antarctica and the shifting climatic conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • 😀 The research has practical applications in mineral exploration, including oil and gas fields, and encourages international collaboration, particularly with European and African partners.

Q & A

  • What event caused the separation of Brazil from the African continent?

    -The separation of Brazil from the African continent occurred around 120 million years ago, following the opening of an ocean from both the South and North, which eventually led to the continental break.

  • What type of crust is found on the African and South American sides?

    -On the African and South American sides, there is continental crust, while the oceanic crust is located between these continents, created from 120 million years ago to the present.

  • What led researchers to question the traditional model of the Atlantic Ocean's opening?

    -Researchers questioned the traditional model after discovering continental crust fragments more than 1000 km away from where oceanic crust was expected to be, which suggested the presence of continental crust in unexpected areas.

  • What was the main objective of the research conducted by CPRM and Professor Roberto Ventura?

    -The research aimed to study the southeastern region of Brazil, specifically to understand geological events during the opening of the ocean and to explore tectonic reactivations from 120 million to 20 million years ago.

  • What geological features were identified in Brazil that resembled formations in Angola and South Africa?

    -The study identified tectonic features in Brazil that were similar to those found between Angola and South Africa, helping to piece together a larger geologic puzzle.

  • What types of rocks were studied in this research, and what did they reveal?

    -The research focused on studying rocks such as gneisses, granulites, and granites, which are typical of continental crust. These rocks helped provide a deeper understanding of the geological history of the region.

  • What is the age range of the rocks found in the study, and why is it significant?

    -The rocks discovered in the study have ages ranging from 1 billion years to 500 million years, which is highly unusual for a region where the oldest known rocks are only 120 million years old.

  • What theory emerged from the findings of this research regarding the opening of the South Atlantic?

    -The findings suggested that small blocks of continental crust from South America or Africa may have remained in place during the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean, which challenges traditional models.

  • How does the opening of the Atlantic Ocean relate to climate change and the evolution of Antarctica?

    -The opening of the Atlantic Ocean is linked to paleoclimatic changes and the evolution of Antarctica, which separated from Africa and Asia. The changes in climate were also influenced by the tectonic activities during the ocean's opening.

  • How do the geological findings from this research impact the exploration of natural resources?

    -The geological discoveries are crucial for understanding mineral deposits, such as oil and gas fields, and other resources. They also help reconsider exploration strategies for both the Brazilian and African sides of the Atlantic.

  • What international collaboration is involved in the exploration of these oceanic areas?

    -An international committee oversees the exploration of oceanic areas, with Brazil participating in collaborative efforts with European, American, and African partners due to the high costs of oceanic studies.

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Related Tags
GeologyTectonicsAtlantic OceanContinental DriftMineral ResourcesPaleoclimatesGeochronologyBrazilAfricaResearchOil and Gas