The Santa Brígida Formation, located in the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá Rift system, plays a crucial role in understanding the Permian tectono-sedimentary evolution of northeastern Brazil. Despite extensive research, there are still uncertainties regarding how it differs from adjacent units, such as the Afligidos Formation, which affect palaeoenvironmental interpretations and hydrocarbon exploration. This study provides a detailed stratigraphic review, integrating palynological and regional stratigraphic interpretations to clarify the relationship between the Afligidos and the Santa Brígida formations, as well as their respective depositional settings. The Santa Brígida Formation consists of two lithostratigraphic subdivisions: the Caldeirão and Ingá members. The Ingá Member, in particular, shows significant potential for hydrocarbon generation. Palynological data from this unit reveal the presence of both Protohaploxypinus sp. and Lueckisporites virkkiae , confirming its Permian age. The present study proposes stratigraphic standardisation and recommends unifying the Afligidos and Santa Brígida formations under the name Santa Brígida Formation of the Permian of the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá Rift system, due to their lithological and chronostratigraphic equivalence. This revision improves the geological framework of the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá Rift system, highlighting the Santa Brígida Formation as a key unit for hydrocarbon exploration. Furthermore, the oil-generating potential of outcropping samples underscores its economic significance, providing a solid foundation for future regional oil and gas exploration assessments. • Unification of the Afligidos and Santa Brígida formations is proposed as an RTJR stratigraphic standard. • Stratigraphic and depositional relationships between the Afligidos and Santa Brígida formations are reassessed. • The Ingá Member (source rock) palynology is calibrated to the ICS timescale.
Conceição et al. (Sun,) studied this question.