Spatialization of tectonic intensity in the onshore portion of the Paraíba Basin and adjacent crystalline basement, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Studies conducted in different geomorphological contexts of the Earth have demonstrated efficiency in the application of geomorphometric data extracted from digital elevation models for the identification of terrain features suggestive of tectonic deformation. This study applies geomorphometric indices for the evaluation of the tectonic intensity of sedimentary deposits of the onshore portion of the Paraíba Basin and of the adjacent crystalline basement, northeastern Brazil. The following indices were applied with basis on digital drainage network and digital elevation model of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM): slope-length ratio (SL), asymmetric factor (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi) and mountain-front sinuosity (Smf). The results enabled to distinguish and to spacialize classes of tectonic deformation intensity through the tectonic intensity index (Iat). The data revealed more intense tectonism in Neogene and Quaternary sedimentary units located in the northeastern portion of the study area.