Brazilian coast

Abstract

Msny important areas of Quaternary deltaic sedimentation along the Brazilian coast are practically unknown in the geologic litera-ture, eqxcially outside Brazil. Our studies show that these areas, previously considered as highly destructive wave-dominated deltas of Holocene age, were affccted by a wave-dominated phase during thc Pleistocene, succeeded by highly constructive, intralagoonal stage in the Holocene, in turn followed by wave-dominated deltaic sedimentation that continues until today. The geologic evolution of these costal plains is exemplified here by the Doce River mouth area, State of Espírito Santo, where relative sea-level fluctuations during the Quaternary played an important role in the construction of the deltaic complex.