Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169 – 193

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Stratigraphy and facies architecture of the fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine

Sergi Formation (Upper Jurassic), Recôncavo Basin, Brazil
Claiton M.S. Scherer a,⁎, Ernesto L.C. Lavina b , Dorval C. Dias Filho c ,
Flávio M. Oliveira d , Daniela E. Bongiolo a , Eduardo S. Aguiar b
a
Instituto de Geociências, UFRGS, P.O. Box 15001, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil
b
Programa de Pó-graduação em Geociências, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. Unisinos 950,
CEP 93022-000, São Leopoldo-RS, Brazil
c
PETROBRAS/CENPES, Av. Jequitiba, 959, Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21941-598 Rio de Janeiro- RJ, Brazil
d
PETROBRAS/UN-BA/ST/CER, Av. ACM, 1113, CEP 41825-903, Salvador- BA, Brazil
Received 24 November 2005; received in revised form 2 June 2006; accepted 6 June 2006

Abstract

The Sergi Formation encompasses an upper Jurassic fluvial–eolian–lacustrine succession deposited within a wide intracratonic
basin. Its sand bodies represent the largest and more important reservoirs in the Recôncavo Basin, hosting 362 million m3 of oil in
place. The main goal of this paper is to provide a detailed stratigraphic analysis of the Sergi Formation based on core and outcrop data.
It was achieved through the recognition and correlation of regional surfaces that have allowed the subdivision of this unit into distinct
depositional sequences, and the reconstruction of its depositional history. The studied succession can be subdivided into three
unconformity-bounded sequences. Sequence I is composed of lacustrine mudstone at its base, which is overlain by fine- to medium-
grained sandstone related to aeolian dune and sand sheet and ephemeral fluvial stream deposits. Fluvial strata indicate northeastward-
flowing streams whereas aeolian dune deposits suggest the action of southwestward-blowing winds. The regional unconformity
bounding sequences I and II denotes both a climate change and tectonic rearrangement of the basin. This surface delineates a change in
the depositional style, from fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine (Sequence I) to entirely fluvial (Sequence II). The latter includes coarse-
grained to conglomeratic sandstone deposited within northwestward-flowing braided channel-belts. Changes in fluvial palaeocurrent,
from sequence I to II, indicate rearrangement of the drainage system related to basin tectonism. Furthermore, a change in the fluvial
discharge regime took place as a result of a change from a drier to a wetter climate. Fluvial deposition in Sequence I was related to
ephemeral streams whereas fluvial facies architecture of the Sequence II deposits indicates perennial braided streams with significant
discharge variation. Another regional unconformity, this time related to a stratigraphic base level fall and consequent widespread,
basinwide aeolian deflation, separates the braided fluvial facies of Sequence II from the fine- to medium-grained sandstones ascribed
to sheet-floods, aeolian dunes and aeolian sand sheets of Sequence III. The resumption of aeolian sedimentation indicates a return to
drier conditions in the basin. The abrupt change from fluvial–aeolian deposits to the lacustrine deposits of the overlying Itaparica
Formation suggest a rapid rise of the water table and consequent basinwide flooding.
© 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Continental sequence stratigraphy; Reconcavo Basin; Upper Jurassic

⁎ Corresponding author. Fax: +55 51 3316 7047.

E-mail address: claiton.scherer@ufrgs.br (C.M.S. Scherer).

0037-0738/$ - see front matter © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2006.06.002
170 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

1. Introduction mechanisms of sedimentation using a sequence

The Upper Jurassic Sergi Formation contains the
largest sandstone reservoirs of the Recôncavo Basin, with
an original volume of 362 million m3 of oil in place. This
unit consists of fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine deposits accu-
mulated in a wide intracratonic basin (Netto, 1978;
Lanzarini and Terra, 1989).
Although the Sergi Formation has been extensively
studied in last decades, few papers have focused in
detail on its depositional architecture and controlling
stratigraphic approach (e.g. Dias Filho, 2002). There-
fore, the main aims of this paper include (1)
characterization and interpretation of the main facies
associations; (2) elaboration of a sequence stratigraphic
framework based on the identification and correlation
of unconformities; and (3) proposition of a stratigraph-
ic model for the fluvial–aeolian deposits of the Sergi
Formation.
Log analysis, facies description and logging were
carried out on cores from four wells (Fig. 1). Subsurface

Fig. 1. Simplified geologic map of the studied area. Numbered black circles indicate the positions of the four logged cores presented in Fig. 2. The
location of five outcrop panels are indicated by the numbered rectangles.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
data were complemented by information from six
exposures (Fig. 1), which were described in graphic
logs and/or lateral profiles elaborated from photo-
mosaics, in which facies associations and bounding
surfaces were delineated, and palaeocurrent data
plotted. The integration of outcrop and core data
allows for a detailed sedimentological and strati-
graphic analysis of the Sergi Formation. While core
information facilitates the definition of the strati-
graphic framework and the regional correlation of
depositional sequences, outcrop data allow character-
ization of the geometry and lateral extent of facies
associations. Fluvial and aeolian bounding-surface
hierarchy followed the schemes of Miall (1988) and
Kocurek (1996), respectively. Paleocurrent readings
were corrected for the average present-day structural
dip of 25° (Collinson and Thompson, 1989; Tucker,
1996).
2. Geological setting
The Sergi Formation consists of fine-grained to
conglomeratic sandstones deposited within Upper
Jurassic fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine systems (Bruhn
and De Ros, 1987; Lanzarini and Terra, 1989;
Carrasco et al., 1996; Lanzarini, 1996). This unit
interfingers at its base with lacustrine mudstones of the
Aliança Formation (Capianga Member) and is abruptly
overlain by lacustrine mudstones of the Itaparica
Formation.
Although the Sergi Formation is restricted to the
Recôncavo Basin, contemporaneous deposits original-
ly occupied a much wider area, as indicated by several
correlative units in Northeast Brazil and Africa (Garcia
et al., 1998). This large basin named the Afro-
Brazilian Depression, formed a N–S elongate basin
developed at the beginning of the extensional phase
(pre-rift phase) that culminated with the complete
rupture of Gondwana in the Cretaceous and opening
of the South Atlantic Ocean. This large feature was
interpreted as a peripheral depression adjacent to an
area of crustal uplifting, the embryo of the future rift
(Estrella, 1972). The original extent of the Jurassic
deposits and their tectonic setting remain uncertain.
The Sergi Formation occurs throughout the entire
Recôncavo Basin, but only crops out along the
northern and western borders of the basin (Fig. 1).
At a regional scale this unit, up to 450 m thick,
dips to the east (Milani, 1987). Isopach maps
indicate thickness increases to the south and
decreases to the north-northeast of the basin (Santos
et al., 1990).
171
3. Stratigraphic framework
3.1. Conceptual discussion
One of the main stratigraphic concerns of the last
decades entailed the identification and mapping of
genetically related units bounded at their top and base by
unconformities. Following this trend of analyzing the
geological record, a large step forward was reached
through the development of the sequence stratigraphic
method, which has been most widely applied to coastal
and shelf deposits (Wingus et al., 1988; Van Wagoner et
al., 1990; Posamentier and Weimer, 1993). Within these
depositional settings, sequence accumulation and pres-
ervation are controlled by relative sea-level changes.
Deposition and accumulation on the shelf occurs during
periods of relative sea-level rise or stability whereas
erosion or non-deposition on the shelf reflects intervals
of relative sea-level fall.
Similarly to the marine realm, changes on the rates of
accommodation space constitute the main control on the
preservation of sediments within continental settings
(Shanley and McCabe, 1994). Accommodation space is
herein understood as the available space for potential
sediment accumulation (Jervey, 1988). However, accom-
modation space within continental settings is not
associated with relative sea level, since the fluvial
equilibrium profile and the phreatic water table level are
the main controls on sediment accumulation and preser-
vation. Although the mechanisms that control accommo-
dation space within marine and non-marine environments
are distinct, their effect on the stacking pattern and strata
geometry is similar and can be predictable. This approach
comprises the basis of a correlation technique that is an
alternative to the traditional lithostratigraphic approach,
and is, founded on the concept of base level oscillations
and consequent generation or destruction of accommoda-
tion space through time (e.g. Crabaugh and Kocurek,
1993; Kocurek and Havholm, 1993; Havholm and
Kocurek, 1994; Frederiksen et al., 1998; Mountney et
al., 1999; Sweet, 1999; Mountney and Howell, 2000;
Scherer, 2002; Scherer and Lavina, 2005). In this context,
sediment accumulation takes place during episodes of
stratigraphic base level (SBL) rise, while unconformities
are developed during SBL fall.
The identification of systems tracts within alluvial
systems is based on several criteria, including geometry
and stacking pattern of fluvial channels, channel to
overbank deposit ratios and paleosol types. Often,
intervals of multi-storey and multi-lateral, amalgamated,
sheet sandstone bodies, with rare overbank deposits are
interpreted to record low rates of accommodation space
172 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
creation (Legarreta and Uliana, 1991; Shanley and
McCabe, 1993, 1994; Van Wagoner, 1995; Aitken and
Flint, 1995; Olsen et al., 1995; Richards, 1996; Miall,
1996). On the other hand, intervals characterized by
single-storey, ribbon or sheet fluvial channels sand
bodies encased within fine-grained overbank deposits
that include poorly developed and hydromorphic soils
are often interpreted to record periods of higher rates of
accommodation space creation (Shanley and McCabe,
1991, 1993; Wright and Marriot, 1993; Shanley and
McCabe, 1994; Van Wagoner, 1995; Aitken and Flint,
1995; Olsen et al., 1995; Richards, 1996).
Sequence stratigraphy has been successfully applied
to aeolian successions. Recent papers show that
aeolian accumulation within a sedimentary basin is
an episodic process characterized by short depositional
intervals alternating with long periods of either erosion
or aeolian non-deposition (e.g. Loope, 1985; Talbot,
1985; Kocurek, 1988; Kocurek and Havholm, 1993).
Therefore, several successions previously thought to
represent a single erg have, in recent years, been
subdivided into several units representing distinct
accumulation episodes (e.g. Permian Currie Sand-
stones — Clemmensen and Hegner, 1991; Middle
Jurassic Page Sandstone — Kocurek et al., 1991;
Havholm et al., 1993; Blakey et al., 1996; Middle
Jurassic Entrada Sandstone — Crabaugh and Kocurek,
1993). A basic requirement for the stratigraphic
subdivision of aeolian successions is the identification
of supersurfaces, which represent regional-scale
boundaries delineating the end of an aeolian accumu-
lation event (Kocurek, 1988, 1996), and which bound
distinct genetic units.
A sequence stratigraphic approach has also been
applied to fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine successions. For
instance, the Permian sandstones of the Rotliegend
Group, which includes fluvial, aeolian, sabkha and
lacustrine strata accumulated in rift basins, have been
extensively studied, mainly in the southern portion of
the North Sea (Yang and Nio, 1993; Howell and
Mountney, 1997). This unit presents a well-defined
palaeogeography characterized by fluvial deposits along
the basin margins, which are gradually replaced towards
the basin centre by aeolian, sabkha and lacustrine facies
(Glennie, 1986). However, these facies belts are known
to have changed their position in the basin due to climate
oscillations, producing retrogradational or prograda-
tional trends based on the recognition of distinct
depositional sequences and associated system tracts.
The vertical facies succession within the Rotliegend
Group varies laterally according to location within the
basin.
The studied interval was herein analyzed using a
sequence stratigraphic approach to define depositional
sequences, which are defined as “stratigraphic units
composed of a relatively conformable succession of
genetically related strata bounded by unconformities or
their correlative conformities” (Mitchum et al., 1977).
Emphasis is placed on the recognition and interpretation
of correlative surfaces of regional extent, which not only
allow subdivision of the fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine
succession into different sequences, but also aid in the
reconstruction of depositional history. Based on core,
log and outcrop analyses it was possible to define and
correlate three unconformity-bounded, regional-scale
depositional sequences (Fig. 2). The criteria used to
identify unconformities in both outcrops and cores
include: (1) abrupt facies shift through regionally
correlated surfaces (outcrops and cores); (2) grain size
changes across the unconformity (outcrops and cores);
and (3) change in paleocurrent trend (outcrops).
3.2. Sequence I
Sequence I was recognized in all studied wells and its
minimum thickness ranges from 100 to 160 m. The
lower boundary cannot be precisely delineated as it
interfingers with the underlying Capianga Member
(Aliança Formation). Its upper boundary consists of a
regional-scale erosional surface. Four facies associa-
tions were discriminated within Sequence I from core
and outcrop description: (1) Aeolian Sand Sheets, (2)
Aeolian Dunes, (3) Ephemeral Fluvial Channels, and (4)
Fluvial–Lacustrine facies associations.
3.2.1. Aeolian Sand Sheets Facies Association
3.2.1.1. Description. These deposits consist of white,
well-sorted, fine- to medium-grained sandstones ar-
ranged in tabular bodies up to 8 m thick and hundreds of
metres wide (Fig. 3). Internally, these units are
characterized by 0.3 to 2 m thick sets of horizontal to
low-angle cross-stratification (< 5°) composed by in-
versely graded, up to 10 mm thick, wind-ripple laminae
(Figs. 4A,B; 5). Well-sorted, fine- to medium-grained
sandstone organized into isolated, 0.2 to 2 m thick and
less than 30 m wide, sets of tangential cross-bedding,
entirely formed by wind-ripple lamination, occur inter-
layered with the low-angle strata (Figs. 3, 4). Lateral
contacts between low-angle and cross-bedded strata can
be either gradual or abrupt and erosional.
3.2.1.2. Interpretation. The horizontal to low-angle
cross-bedded sandstones are interpreted as aeolian sand
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193 173

Fig. 2. Stratigraphic cross-section based on log correlation, displaying the depositional sequences, their bounding surfaces and facies association
(datum: regional flooding surface at the base of the Itaparica Formation).
174 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193 175

Fig. 4. (A) Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log for the aeolian sand sheet facies association. (B) Core photograph of low-angle wind-ripple
lamination. See Fig. 2 for location.

sheet deposits formed by the migration and subcritical
climb of aeolian ripples over a dry depositional surface
(Hunter, 1977). Interlayered cross-strata are interpreted
as residual deposits of aeolian dunes. Foresets com-
posed exclusively of aeolian ripple lamination indicate
bedforms either lacking well-developed slipfaces or
severely truncated. The restricted lateral extent of the
sets suggests isolated dunes separated by extensive areas
of aeolian sand sheets (Trewin, 1993; Mountney et al.,
1999).
3.2.2. Aeolian Dune Facies Association
3.2.2.1. Description. This association occurs as 3 to
20 m thick (4 m average) and hundreds of m wide
tabular bodies composed of well-sorted, fine- to
medium-grained sandstones arranged in 0.5 to 3 m
thick cross-sets (Figs. 3, 5, 6). From a view parallel to
paleoflow, cross-strata are tangential to their basal
bounding surfaces, which are planar and dip gently
(< 2°) in a direction opposite to cross-bedding (Fig. 3).
From sections transverse to paleoflow direction, both
cross-strata and basal bounding surfaces forms trough
(50 to 200 m wide) outlines (Fig. 3). In plan view, the
foresets are curved and display a dip directional spread
ranging from 050° to 110° in a single set. Internally, sets
are composed of 1 to 4 cm thick, massive to inversely-
graded grainflow strata on the steeper portions (∼ 30°)
of the foresets. Downdip, grainflow strata pinch out,
intertonguing with tangential wind-ripple toesets. Cross-
strata define a mean dip towards the southwest (Fig. 7).
Locally, convolute or massive beds are interbedded with
cross-bedded sandstones.
In some exposures composite cross-strata are present
that, from a view parallel to paleoflow, can be
subdivided into several sets bounded by inclined (5°
to 10°) surfaces that dip in the same direction as the
foresets.
3.2.2.2. Interpretation. The presence of well-sorted
and well-rounded, fine- to medium-grained sand,
organized into large-scale sets of cross-strata composed
of wind-ripples and grain flow strata, suggests an
interpretation for this facies association as residual

Fig. 3. Interpreted outcrop panel showing the relationship between facies associations of the sequence I. Note that the boundaries between
aeolian dune, aeolian sand sheet and ephemeral stream facies associations are marked by planar to erosional, sharp surfaces. See Fig. 1 for
location.
 176
C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
Fig. 5. (A) Interpreted outcrop panel showing the relationship between facies associations in sequence I. Aeolian and fluvial units are laterally and vertically interfingered. The aeolian units can be
completely eroded by fluvial sand bodies. (B) Logged section in different positions of the outcrop. See Fig. 1 for location.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193 177

Fig. 6. (A) Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log for the aeolian dune facies association. (B) Core photograph of aeolian cross-bedding,
characterized by wind-ripple low-angle lamination at the base grading upward to high-angle (25–30°) grainflow strata. See Fig. 2 for location.

deposits of aeolian dunes (Hunter, 1977; Kocurek and
Dott, 1981). The occurrence of grain-flow strata
indicates bedforms with well-developed slipfaces. The
maximum 30° dip of the cross-strata, below the 34°
angle of repose, is probably a result of post-depositional
compaction (Walker and Harms, 1972).
Unimodal, SW-dipping cross bedding suggests cres-
centic aeolian dunes migrating mostly southwestward.
Horizontal to upwind-dipping surfaces bounding simple
and composite cross strata (view parallel to paleoflow) are
interpreted as interdune surfaces (terminology of
Kocurek, 1996) resulting from the successive climbing
of aeolian dunes. The trough geometry of the interdune
surfaces from a view transverse to paleoflow indicates
high sinuosity of the principal bedform crestlines.
Wavelengths of crestlines (50 to 200 m) were inferred
from the extent of trough cross-sets bounded by interdune
surfaces. Superimposition of several cross-sets bounded
by trough interdune surfaces suggests out-of-phase (by
nearly 180°) aeolian dunes (Rubin, 1987; Fig. 3). The
inclined, downwind-dipping bounding surfaces that
divide the cosets of compound cross-strata are interpreted
as superimposition surfaces (terminology of Kocurek,
1996) formed by migration of secondary dunes on the
frontal face of large-scale bedforms lacking well-
developed slipfaces (draas). Convolute and massive
beds are interpreted as the result of post-depositional
fluidization due to interstitial fluid escape.
3.2.3. Ephemeral Fluvial Channel Facies Association
3.2.3.1. Description. This facies association is made
up of several, 1 to 4 m thick sandstone bodies, that show
a sheet geometry in cross-section (width/thickness
ratio > 30). The basal bounding surfaces of sandstone
bodies are flat to concave-up and are marked by < 10 cm
178 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

Fig. 7. Regional map of the Recôncavo Basin displaying palaeocurrent data for Sequence I. (A) Ephemeral fluvial channel facies association. Rose
diagrams show dip azimuths of the trough and planar cross-bedded sandstones. (B) Aeolian dune facies association. Rose diagrams show dip
azimuths of the large-scale trough cross-bedded sandstones.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193 179

thick lags of intraformational (caliche and/or mudstone)
clasts (Figs. 5, 8). These basal lags are overlain by
different facies, making up distinct facies successions
that can be arranged into two main types. The first
comprises fine- to medium-grained sandstones, massive
or with horizontal to low-angle cross-bedding. The
second type is composed of very-fine to medium-
grained sandstones containing planar and trough cross-
bedding (0.2 to 0.5 m thick sets) and less commonly
ripple cross-lamination. Both types show abrupt facies
shifts and can either form fining-upward cycles or be
consistent in grain-size. Palaeocurrent data from planar
and trough cross-bedding indicate northeastward sedi-
ment transport (Fig. 7).
3.2.3.2. Interpretation. This facies association is
interpreted as fluvial channel deposits. The basal erosion
surfaces, overlain by intraformational conglomerates,
can be ascribed to 5th order surfaces (terminology of
Miall, 1988). They represent basal channel boundaries.
The sandstone bodies composed of massive and parallel
to low-angle cross-bedded sandstones, are interpreted to
represent poorly confined sheet flood deposits (Picard
and High, 1973; Miall, 1985; Olsen, 1987; George and
Berry, 1993; North and Taylor, 1996). The common
occurrence of both parallel-bedding (upper flow regime)
and massive sandstone (hyperconcentrated flows)
indicate fast and intermittent, high capacity streams.
The scarcity of bedforms may be a result of the high

Fig. 8. (A) Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log of the ephemeral fluvial channel facies association (sequence I). Core photograph of
intraformational conglomerate with caliche and mudstone intraclasts (B), trough cross-strata (C), ripple-cross lamination (D), and massive sandstone
(E). See Fig. 2 for location.
180 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

concentration of suspended sand, which causes turbu-
lence suppression, hence precluding flow separation and
dune development (Allen and Leeder, 1980).
The sand bodies composed of planar and trough cross
bedding and ripple cross-lamination are interpreted as
low-sinuosity channel fill deposits. The dominance of
dune-scale cross-bedding and the lack of macroforms
indicate shallow fluvial channels. These channel
deposits probably represent fields or trains of individual
bedforms that accumulated predominantly by vertical
aggradation. This type of architecture is similar to sand-
bed rivers developed on distal braidplains, mostly in arid
regions where ephemeral streams form a network of
shallow channels (distal, sheet flood, sand-bed rivers
sensu Miall, 1996). Ancient examples of this fluvial
style have been described by Rust and Nanson (1989),
Ekes (1993), and Talbot et al., 1994), among others.
Intraformational conglomerates at the base of the
fluvial sandstone packages represent reworking of
overbank deposits. Carbonate intraclasts record the
development of ephemeral lakes in nearby channel
lowlands during flash floods. The absence of in situ
carbonate suggests recurrent channel shifting, hence
erosion of formerly accumulated overbank deposits.
3.2.4. Lacustrine Facies Association
3.2.4.1. Description. This facies association can be
divided into two main vertical facies: (i) 1 to 4 m thick
packages composed entirely of reddish, massive or flat
laminated mudstones with ostracodes (Caixeta et al.,
1994) and plant debris; (ii) 1 to 4 m thick, coarsening-
upward successions, composed of either massive or
laminated mudstones at their base, locally displaying
mudcracks, overlain by fine-grained sandstones with
ripple cross-lamination, and fine- to medium-grained
sandstones at the top, massive and/or with trough cross-
bedding (Fig. 9).
3.2.4.2. Interpretation. Massive and laminated mud-
stone is interpreted to represent settling of suspended
sediment from water bodies. The ostracode fauna in a

Fig. 9. (A) Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log of fluvio-lacustrine facies association (sequence I). (B) Core photograph of fluvio-lacustrine
facies succession composed of laminated mudstone at their base, overlain by trough cross-bedded fine sandstone, culminating with ripple cross-
laminated, fine-grained sandstone. See Fig. 2 for location.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193 181

continental setting (Caixeta et al., 1994) suggests a
lacustrine environment. The presence of mudcracks
indicates ephemeral shallow lakes. The absence of
evaporites indicates low-salinity lakes. The coarsening-
upwards cycles are interpreted to represent lake
marginal deposits formed due to the deceleration of
streams as they entered water bodies (delta-front
deposits). Their modest thickness (< 4 m) reinforces
the interpretation of a shallow-lake environment.
3.2.5. Sequence I depositional architecture
Sequence I displays a progradational facies succes-
sion. Its base is dominated by fine-grained lacustrine
deposits (Capianga Member of the Aliança Formation)
that are overlain by fluvial–aeolian strata with scarce,
interlayered lacustrine beds (base of the Sergi Forma-
tion). Palaeocurrent data indicate northeastward fluvial
sediment transport, in agreement with data from isopach
maps, which show a northeastward increase in the
thickness of the lacustrine deposits, while the fluvial–
aeolian deposits thicken to the southwest (Fig. 10).
Aeolian strata indicate an opposite sense of sediment
transport relative to the fluvial deposits (Fig. 7). While
fluvial flow was to NE, aeolian dune cross-bedding
shows a consistent southwestward trend, indicating
aeolian transport towards the southern border of the
basin.
From the outcrop analysis it was possible to define
more accurately the geometrical relationships between
the ephemeral fluvial channel facies association and the
aeolian dune and sand sheet facies associations. Aeolian
and fluvial deposits are laterally and vertically adjacent,

Fig. 10. Isolith maps of fine-grained lacustrine deposits and fine- to medium-grained sandstone, fluvial–aeolian deposits. Modified from Netto et al.
(1982).
182 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
producing a complex depositional architecture. Aeolian
strata consist of 0.5 to 15 m thick and 0.1 to > 1 km long
(maximum outcrop size) packages, showing abrupt
lower and upper boundaries with fluvial facies (Figs. 3
and 5). The basal bounding surfaces of the aeolian
successions are flat, thus indicating deflation before
aeolian accumulation. This kind of erosional surface
resembles the sand drift surfaces of Clemmensen and
Tirsgaard (1990). The upper boundaries are fluvial scour
surfaces with < 3 m of erosional relief into the aeolian
deposits (Fig. 5). Wherever fluvial erosion was
substantial, aeolian deposits were severely to completely
truncated (Fig. 5). This kind of surface can be classified
as a supersurface, marking the end of an aeolian
accumulation event (Kocurek, 1988).
3.3. Sequence II
Sequence II ranges from 0 to 80 m in thickness. The
lower boundary of Sequence II comprises a regional-
scale unconformity that can be identified in cores
(Fig. 2) and outcrops (Fig. 11). Its upper boundary is
also defined by an erosional surface that can be
correlated throughout the basin (Fig. 2). Two facies
associations were distinguished within this sequence,
representing (1) Braided Fluvial Channel Belts and (2)
Overbank Environments.
3.3.1. Braided Fluvial Channel Belt Facies Association
3.3.1.1. Description. This facies association is com-
posed of sheet-like sandstone bodies, 2 to 10 m thick,
that extend laterally for more than 500 m (maximum
outcrop extent) (Figs. 11, 12). The sandstone bodies are
bounded by a flat to concave-up erosional surface and
show internally an upward-fining in grain-size (Fig.
13), with basal massive to horizontal laminated
conglomerate grading upward into coarse to medium-
grained sandstones with trough and planar cross-
bedding (10 to 20 cm sets). Locally, fine-grained
sandstone, massive or with ripple cross-lamination,
occurs at the top of units. These relatively large-scale
cycles can comprise several smaller-scale (1 to 3 m
thick, mean thickness of 2 m), fining-upwards sub-
cycles (Fig. 13).
Locally, compound cross-strata are evident from out-
crops, formed by trough and planar cross-sets (Fig. 12).
Sets have a mean thickness of 20 cm and are bounded
by flat surfaces dipping at low angles (5 to 15°) in the
same direction as the cross-bedding. Cross-bedding dip
azimuths show a unimodal distribution with a mean
towards the NW (Fig. 14).
3.3.1.2. Interpretation. The fining-upward sandstone
bodies bounded by upward concave erosional surfaces
(5th order bounding surfaces of Miall, 1988, 1996)
can be interpreted as fluvial channel deposits.
Compound cross-strata are interpreted as in-channel
macroforms that grew through the accretion of smaller
bedforms on their lee sides (Miall, 1996; Chakraborty,
1999). Low-angle, down-current dipping surfaces
suggest the presence of large-scale, down-current
accreting macroforms (DA-macroform of Miall,
1988). The sheet geometry of the sand bodies
(width / thickness > 30), the prevailing coarse-grained
nature of the deposits, the dominance of mid-channel
bar deposits and the low palaeocurrent dispersion
suggest that this facies association consist of braided
fluvial channel belt deposits.
However, philosophically, it is worth discussing the
meaning of the word “channel” within the context of
braided rivers. At low discharge, braided rivers form a
network of interconnected channels separated by
sandy or gravelly bars (Coleman, 1969; Bristow,
1987). To avoid confusion, most authors adopt the
term channel-belt to designate the entire river, which
is internally subdivided into bars and enclosing
channels (Coleman, 1969; Bristow, 1987; Bridge,
1993; Collinson, 1996). Herein, sandstone bodies
bounded by erosional 5th order bounding surfaces
(sensu Miall, 1988, 1996) are interpreted as braided
channel belts, and are filled with bar and channel floor
deposits packages of which are bounded by 4th order
surfaces (sensu Miall, 1988, 1996). Channel-belt
discrimination in core analysis can be performed
through facies succession identification. Major, signif-
icantly widespread fining-upwards cycles that are in
places overlain by fine-grained, floodplain deposits
would represent the filling of fluvial channel-belts
(Godin, 1991). Smaller fining-upward cycles represent
the lateral and vertical juxtaposition of bars and
channels within the channel-belt (Godin, 1991).
3.3.2. Overbank Facies Association
3.3.2.1. Description. This facies association consists
of thin packages (0.05 to 1 m thick) of mudstone,
massive, fine-grained sandstone and locally, thin beds of
ripple cross-laminated siltstone, with lateral extent of
few hundred meters to 1 km (stratigraphic correlation).
3.3.2.2. Interpretation. These fine-grained deposits
are interpreted as overbank facies accumulated through
gravitational settling of the suspended load within
flooded areas surrounding braided channel belts
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
Fig. 11. (A) Interpreted outcrop panel showing the unconformity between sequence I and II. The unconformity is marked by an abrupt shift of facies. Sequence II is characterized by coarse-grained
sandstone bodies, interpreted as braided fluvial channel belts, whereas Sequence III is composed of fine to medium-grained sandstones, deposited by ephemeral fluvial channels, aeolian dunes and
aeolian sand sheets. (B) Logged section of the outcrop. See Fig. 1 for location.

183
184 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

Fig. 12. Interpreted outcrop panel showing braided channel-belt sandstone bodies separated by 5th. order bounding surfaces. Internally, the sandstone
bodies are composed of different storeys bounded by 4th order bounding surfaces. Note the presence of compound cross-strata characterized by
trough cross-sets bounded by down-current dipping surfaces. See Fig. 1 for location.

(Miall, 1996). The minor presence of tractional 3.4. Sequence III

sedimentary structures suggests some overbank flows.
3.3.3. Sequence II depositional architecture
Sequence II is uniform in terms of fluvial facies
architecture throughout the entire basin, precluding the
recognition of distinct internal stratigraphic intervals.
This sequence represents a northwestward-flowing
braided fluvial system developed on a widespread
alluvial plain. Its geological record is characterized by
a succession of sandstone bodies (braided channel belt
deposits) partially separated by thin and discontinuous
fine-grained, floodplain deposits. Therefore, Sequence II
consists of vertical and lateral juxtaposition of several
sandstone bodies produced by successive avulsion
episodes, similar to the fluvial accumulation models
described elsewhere for braided fluvial systems (Miall,
1996; Jones and Schumm, 1999). The minor quantity of
flood plain deposits indicates that overbank sedimenta-
tion was either restricted or the resultant deposits were
reworked by fluvial channels. The scarcity of mudstone
intraclasts at the base of the sandstone bodies support
the former hypothesis, i.e. floodplains were poorly
developed.
Sequence III ranges from 0 to 30 m thick and is
bounded, at its base, by a flat erosional surface that
truncates the braided channel fluvial strata of Sequence
II (Figs. 2, 15). The upper boundary of Sequence III
cannot be identified within the studied interval. Three
facies associations were differentiated within Sequence
III from core and outcrop analysis: (1) Sheetflood Facies
Association, (2) Aeolian Sand Sheet and Dune Facies
Association and (3) Lacustrine Facies Association.
3.4.1. Sheet Flood Facies Association
3.4.1.1. Description. This facies association consists
of 1 to 3 m thick, fine- to medium-grained, well-sorted
sandstone units, which can be massive, display horizon-
tal lamination (Fig. 16) or rarely trough cross-bedding,
with mudstone intraclasts dispersed or concentrated
along bedding planes. Some sandstone bodies are
overlain by massive or laminated mudstone, forming
fining-upwards successions. These sandstones are asso-
ciated with aeolian sand sheet deposits, and their
identification is restricted to the subsurface.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
Fig. 13. (A) Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log of the braided fluvial channel-belt facies association (sequence II). Core photograph of trough
cross-strata (B) and massive sandstone (C). See Fig. 2 for location.
3.4.1.2. Interpretation. The aforementioned sedimen-
tary features suggest a link between this facies
association and ephemeral shallow streams (Tunbridge,
1981; Miall, 1996). Fining-upwards cycles represent
complete waning flood events. Horizontally stratified
sandstones represent the upper plane-bed stability field,
at the transition from subcritical to supercritical flow
(Miall, 1996), whereas the massive or fluidized
sandstones are associated with denser turbulent flows
(hyperconcentrated flows), indicating fast and intermit-
tent, high capacity streams. Trough cross bedded
sandstones represent residual deposits of 3D dunes
formed on the erosional portions of channels, where
flow expansion and consequent formation of lower flow
regime bedforms took place (Bromley, 1991).
3.4.2. Aeolian Sand Sheet and Dune Facies Association
3.4.2.1. Description. This facies association, up to
30 m thick, comprises well-sorted, very fine- to
medium-grained sandstone exhibiting low-angle cross-
lamination composed of inversely graded, 5 to 10 mm
185
thick, wind-rippled strata (Figs. 15, 16). Fine- to
medium-grained sandstone organized as isolated or
grouped trough cross-sets, are also present (Fig. 16).
Foreset dips average 20° and foresets are predominantly
composed of wind-ripple laminae. Grain flow and
grainfall strata are rare and restricted to the upper part
of the foresets. In the studied area, the cross-bedded
sandstones are more abundant and thicker in outcrops
than in cores. In the studied outcrops, the cross-bedded
sandstones represent 50% of the deposits and are 1 to
4 m thick, while in cores they represent 20% of the
deposits and are 0,2 to 1 m thick.
3.4.2.2. Interpretation. Low-angle strata are inter-
preted as subcritical climbing translatent strata associ-
ated with aeolian ripple migration under high
sedimentation rate (Hunter, 1977). The low-angle nature
of the cross-bedding and their origin related to aeolian
ripples suggest bedforms lacking well-developed slip-
faces. These deposits are considered to represent vertical
aggradation of aeolian sandsheets formed by climbing
aeolian ripples. Trough cross bedding composed of
186 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

Fig. 14. Regional map of the Recôncavo Basin displaying palaeocurrent for fluvial channel-belt facies association. Rose diagrams show dip azimuths
of the large-scale trough cross-bedded sandstones.
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
Fig. 15. (A) Interpreted outcrop panel showing the unconformity between sequence II and III. Note the remarkable paleoenvironmental change that takes place across this surface. Sequence II is
characterized by braided channel-belt deposits, whereas Sequence III is composed of aeolian sand sheet deposits. (B) Logged section of the outcrop. See Fig. 1 for location.

187
188 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193

Fig. 16. Typical vertical profile and gamma-ray log for the facies associations of the sequence III. Core photography showing the intercalation
between aeolian sand sheet and flash flood deposits. See Fig. 2 for location.

wind-ripples and grainflow/grainfall strata are inter-
preted as residual deposits of aeolian dunes. The
dominance of horizontal to low angle wind-ripple lami-
nation, associated with limited cross-stratification,
suggests that aeolian dunes were spatially isolated and
migrated across extensive aeolian sandsheet plains.
3.4.3. Lacustrine Facies Association
3.4.3.1. Description. This association is composed of
thinly bedded, greenish gray to gray mudstone. The
beds range in thickness from < 1 to a few cm. The beds
are composed of laminated mudstone with streaks and
thin cross-laminated lenses of siltstone or very-fine
grained sandstone, containing plant detritus and
ostracodes.
3.4.3.2. Interpretation. These deposits are thought to
have accumulated in offshore parts of lake environ-
ments, and their sedimentary characteristics indicate
suspension fallout combined with weak, transient
traction currents.
3.4.4. Sequence III depositional architecture
At its base, Sequence III is composed of aeolian
sand sheets and sheet flood deposits. These deposits
represent a wide sandy plain extensive over a large
area. The extensive preservation of aeolian dune cross-
bedding throughout the outcrop area and its limited
occurrence in wells suggests paleogeographical
changes the distribution of sedimentary deposits
within Sequence III. Aeolian dunes are developed
mainly in the west of the Recôncavo Basin and
apparently co-existed with regions dominated by
aeolian sand sheets and fluvial streams. West-south-
westward migrating aeolian dunes indicate east-
northeasterly winds. The lack of fluvial deposits in
the outcrops precluded the determination of their
palaeocurrent trend.
The lacustrine facies association (Itaparica Formation)
overlies the fluvial–aeolian deposits (Fig. 2). The contact
is defined by a sharp, flat to slightly wavy surface. In
places, the fluvial–aeolian deposits immediately under the
surface are massive or contain soft-deformation structures
such as dish and contorted bedding structures. This
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
surface constitutes a basinwide-flooding surface, hence an
appropriate datum for stratigraphic sections (Fig. 2).
4. Stratigraphic evolution: discussion
The studied interval can be subdivided into three
unconformity-bounded sequences. Each sequence is
composed by different facies associations and represents
distinct depositional episodes in the basin. Sequence
definition from sedimentological data, paleocurrent
analysis and regional correlation of bounding surfaces
brings to light important information in terms of the
stratigraphic evolution of the studied interval. Taking
into account that sedimentation was connected to
fluvial–aeolian–lacustrine deposits, system tract termi-
nology proposed for paralic and marine sections was
considered inappropriate here. Depositional sequences
and the development of bounding surfaces are analyzed
in terms of the balance between accommodation (A) and
sediment supply (S), similar to Martinsen et al.'s (1999)
proposition for fluvial successions. Therefore, settings
with an A/S ratio above 1 are characterized by lacustrine
flooding, since sediment supply is not sufficient to
entirely fill the available accommodation space. If the A/
S ratio is between 1 and 0, sediment supply fills the
available space and some sediment even bypasses into
the inner portions of the basin. Finally, when the A/S
ratio is negative, erosion and bypassing of sediments
take place, leading to regional-scale erosion (sequence
Fig. 17. Sequence stratigraphic model of the Sergi Formation. This unit can be subdivided into three unconformity-bounded, regional-scale depositional
sequences. Sediment accumulation takes place during episodes of positive A/S ratio, while unconformities are developed during negative A/S ratio.
189
boundary). A synthesis of the stratigraphy studied herein
is shown in Fig. 17.
At its base, Sequence I includes lacustrine deposits
(Capianga Member of the Aliança Formation) that
interfinger with fluvial–aeolian deposits (Sergi Forma-
tion) indicating large-scale, northeastward progradation,
as attested by fluvial palaeocurrents (Fig. 7) and isolith
maps (Fig. 10). Therefore, the northern portion of the
studied area was characterized by widespread, shallow
lakes replaced towards the SW by fluvial and aeolian
depositional systems. This progradational trend indi-
cates a progressive decrease of the A/S ratio, from
values greater than 1 at the base (lacustrine deposits) to
values between 0 and 1 at the top (fluvial–aeolian
strata). However, progradation was not a steady process
as high frequency changes in A/S ratio produced lake
expansion and contraction. These high frequency
oscillations of the water table can be associated to
absolute (climate-related) or relative (tectonically-in-
duced) causes (Howell and Mountney, 1997).
Several papers claim that high-frequency fluvial and
aeolian interaction was controlled by orbitally-induced
climate changes. Climate changes control the water table
position, sediment supply, dry sand availability, paleosol
development and plant colonization. Their impact in the
geological record would be the development of drying- or
wetting-upward cycles or the formation of aeolian
packages bounded by supersurfaces marked by paleosoils
with root marks (e.g. Loope, 1985; Clemmensen et al.,
190 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
1989; Clemmensen et al., 1994; George and Berry, 1993;
Yang and Nio, 1993; Howell and Mountney, 1997).
However, Sequence I does not contain either well-
defined, regional-scale facies cycles or well-developed
paleosols. Our data from cores and outcrops suggest that
climate in the study area was arid throughout sequence I
deposition. It is possible that climate changes might have
influenced the basin periphery, therefore modifying
fluvial discharge through the increase or decrease of the
rainfall rate, whereas climate was kept constantly dry in
the study area (basin center). Increased precipitation in the
highland areas would have promoted an increase in fluvial
activity within the basin, whereas drier periods would
have caused aeolian dune fields to expand, causing
deflation of the underlying fluvial deposits.
Sequences I and II are bounded by a basinwide
unconformity related to a negative A/S ratio. This
surface delineates a change in depositional style, from a
lacustrine–fluvial–aeolian system (Sequence I) to
entirely fluvial sedimentation (Sequence II). This
change goes along with a grain-size increase and a
change in fluvial palaeocurrent direction (northeastward
in Sequence I and northwestward in Sequence II) that
can be attributed to rearrangement of the drainage
system related to tectonic activity. In addition, a change
in fluvial discharge regime probably took place owing to
wetter climatic conditions. Fluvial deposition in Se-
quence I was associated with ephemeral systems
whereas fluvial deposition of Sequence II (presence of
macroforms and dominance of lower flow regime
structures) indicates a perennial braided fluvial system,
but with major discharge fluctuations.
Sequence II accumulation was associated with a rise in
the stratigraphic base level. This unit was deposited within
a wide alluvial plain characterized by braided channel
belts with a regional transport direction towards the
northwest. Sequence II shows no changes in terms of
depositional architecture, suggesting a uniform A/S ratio
throughout this stratigraphic interval (Miall, 1996). The
dominance of fluvial channel belt sandstones relative to
fine-grained, overbank deposits indicates low rates of
accommodation space creation, with an A/S ratio positive
but close to zero. According to several authors (e.g.
Shanley and McCabe, 1993, 1994; Van Wagoner, 1995;
Richards, 1996; Miall, 1996), a low rate of accommoda-
tion space creation inhibits flood plain deposit accumu-
lation, producing thin, fine-grained packages easily
reworked by the lateral migration of the channel-belts.
This dynamic regime produces a depositional architecture
characterized by multi-storey and multi-lateral, amalgam-
ated, sheet sandstone bodies with rare preservation of
fine-grained, overbank deposits.
A regional unconformity separates Sequences II and
III. Its flat character at the outcrop scale suggests an
origin related to a aeolian deflation associated with a
stratigraphic base level fall (negative A/S ratio). A
change in the depositional style, from braided channel-
belt fluvial sandbodies to sheet-flood, dune and aeolian
sand sheet deposits, indicates a significant climate shift,
from wetter (Sequence II) to drier (Sequence III)
conditions. Amalgamation of dune, aeolian sand sheet
and sheet flood deposits points to low rates of
accommodation space creation, with an A/S ratio
positive but close to zero. The abrupt change from
fluvial–aeolian deposits to lacustrine deposits (Itaparica
Formation) suggests a situation with an A/S ratio greater
than 1, associated with a fast rise of the water table
(stratigraphic base level) and consequent basinwide
flooding. The rise of the water table might have been
absolute, due to a climate change, or relative, produced
by tectonism (Kocurek and Havholm, 1993).
5. Conclusion
The deposits of the Sergi Formation can be subdivided
into three third-order depositional sequences, limited by
regional unconformities. The accumulation of the depo-
sitional sequences and the development of unconformities
were controlled by changes in the A/S ratio. Unconfor-
mities are related to negative A/S ratios, whereas sediment
accumulation is associated with positive A/S ratios.
Sequence I is composed of lacustrine mudstones at its
base, which is overlain by fine- to medium-grained
sandstones deposited by aeolian dunes, aeolian sand
sheets and ephemeral fluvial streams, indicating a
progressive upward decrease in the A/S ratio. Sequence
II comprises braided channel belt deposits that show no
changes in terms of depositional architecture, suggesting a
low and uniform A/S ratio throughout this stratigraphic
interval. Sequence III is composed of fine- to medium-
grained sandstones ascribed to sheet-floods, aeolian dunes
and aeolian sand sheets at the base, overlain by lacustrine
deposits. This depositional trend suggests an upward
increase in the A/S ratio.
The changes in depositional systems observed from
one sequence to another was probably caused by
tectonic and climate factors. The different palaeocurrent
trends in sequences I and II may be attributed to a
rearrangement of the drainage system in response to
tectonic activity. The change from aeolian and ephem-
eral stream deposits in Sequence I to braided fluvial
channel belt deposits in Sequence II suggests a climate
shift from relatively arid to more humid conditions.
Sequence III is characterized by a return to drier
 C.M.S. Scherer et al. / Sedimentary Geology 194 (2007) 169–193
conditions in the basin, marked by a resumption of
aeolian sedimentation.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the facilities provided by
PETROBRAS and funding by CAPES and PETRO-
BRAS for the research work. An earlier version of the
manuscript benefitted from the critical comments from J.
M. Ketzer and Karin Goldberg. Thoughtful comments
by two anonymous referees and the Chief Editor Dr.
Chris Fielding improved the manuscript considerably.
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