Neotectonic-related landforms in the Campos do Jordão Plateau, Southeast Brazil

Abstract

The Campos do Jordão Plateau, situated in the Serra da Mantiqueira – western flank of the Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil, presents several morphological features that are indicative of neotectonic activity. This paper presents a morphotectonic map of the southeastern front of the plateau (scale 1:25,000), based on detailed photointerpretation, with structural data obtained during field surveys and also supported by morphometric analysis. The map illustrates morphotectonic features (triangular and trapezoidal facets, rectilinear escarpments, low drainage divides, shutter ridges and drainage captures) and their relationship with brittle structures and lithotypes. Triangular and trapezoidal facets and rectilinear escarpments are commonly associated with normal faults, whereas low divides and shutter ridges are associated with strike-slip ones. The map provides insights into the neotectonic activity and its influence on the landforms in southeast Brazil.

Keywords

• Neotectonics; Morphotectonics; Campos do Jordão Plateau; Serra da Mantiqueira.