Estrutura subsuperficial do Complexo Alcalino do Mendanha, Rio de Janeiro, por integração de dados geológicos e gravimétricos

Abstract

This paper presents the results of geologic and gravimetric surveys carried out in the area of the Mendanha Alkaline Complex. The applied techniques were: geological mapping and terrestrial gravimetric survey with LaCoste & Romberg equipment and Differential GPS position control. The integrated analysis allowed for the building of 2.5D models and cross-sections, to estimate the geometry of the alkaline suite. The Mendanha Alkaline Complex is composed of siennite rocks with variable grain-size, with predominance of alkali-siennites, siennite and pyroclastic rocks in the region of the "Nova Iguacu Volcano" and nepheline-bearing siennites in the region of Morro do Marapicu. Siennitis rocks have an average bulk density of 2.54g/cm3 and the pyroclastic rocks about 2.46g/cm3, measured in the laboratory. In comparison with the host gneiss, with a bulk density of about 2.68g/cm3, these alkaline rocks have a negative gravimetric anomaly. The "Nova Iguacu Volcano" gravimetric model shows a funnel-like geometry of siennitic rocks with a columnar structure (conduct) of pyroclastic rocks. The Morro do Marapicu model shows a shallow convex structure and was interpreted as the continuation of Mendanha. Thereby, the current denudation stage is characterized by an eroded basal section of a magma chamber, with exposure of pyroclastic conduit and feeder dikes.