Elusive Salt Tectonics in the Deep-Water Region of the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin: Evidence from Deep Seismic Reflection Profiles

Contrasting with the passive margin basins in Southeastern Brazil, which are characterized by voluminous volcanism during the rift phase and a characteristic, thick salt diaper province in deep waters, the Sergipe and Alagoas basins have been considered as paradigms of non-volcanic rifted margins lacking a deep-water salt dlapir province. However, a number of deep seismic reflection profiles In the Serglpe and Alagoas basins suggest: (1) the occurrence of thick wedges of seaward-dipping reflectors associated with emplacement of oceanic crust; (2) some elusive features might be associated with deep-water salt tectonics. Although subject to controversial interpretation, especially because of an apparent association with fracture zones and volcanic features, the structural styles In the deep-water region of the Serglpe and Alagoas basins have possible analogs in other salt provinces, particularly the North Sea and the western North Atlantic passive margins. Although untested, this model has profound Implications in deep-water petroleum exploration.