The integration of geological and geophysical data allowed a better understanding of the inter-relation between the oceanic and continental structure. Tectonic and magmatic phenomena of the Meso-Cenozoic were probably related to the prolongation of oceanic fracture zones into the Brazilian Southeast continental margin. This work will focus on the behaviour of the Vitória-Trindade Fracture Zone (VTFZ). The Vitória-Trindade Fracture Zone (VTFZ), located at 18º40S in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), was defined by seismic, gravity and magnetic isochrones. At the MAR axis the VTFZ corresponds to a second-order discontinuity, with a 6 km axial offset. Away from the ridge axis, potential field data shows a gravimetric depression in E-W direction, which represents the asseismic portion of the VTFZ. Towards the Brazilian Continental Margin there is a series of topographic highs defining the Vitória-Trindade Chain, which is divided into distinct sedimentary thickness and tectonic domains. This area is cut by sills and dikes, indicating tectonic instability, remobilization of faults and strike-slip tectonics which has uplifted the entire sedimentary column, including the oceanic bottom. All of these observations suggest recent oceanic crust reactivation with alternations of compressive and extensional stress associated with volcanism and normal faulting. Geological and geophysical studies, in addition to mapping the earthquakes epicenters, suggest that the continuation of the VTFZ that occurs onland is related to the Vitória High and to tectonic and volcanic activities, which are expressed by the Trindade-Paxoréu /Alto do Paranaíba Alkalic Magmatic and Seismic Lineaments. We propose that the VTFZ acts as a pathway for the magma generated by the Trindade Mantle Plume.
Fracture Zone; Southeast Atlantic Ocean; Mid-Atlantic Ridge; Vitória-Trindade Chain; Geotectonics; Volcanism
