This work presents results related to morphogenesis, recent sedimentary deposits and their tectonic control in the region of São Carlos, Rio Claro and Piracicaba, São Paulo State (Brazil). The investigation is based on geological and geomorphological maps with emphasis in the drainage pattern and its anomalies, and also major lineaments and terrain digital modelling. The main recognized structural features are joint systems with directions NW-SE, NE-SW, N-S and E-W, with associated normal and or transcurrent faults. Cenozoic deposits lie over four distinct geomorphologic levels since the tops until the alluvium plains. They are distributed in a discontinuous arrangement forming structural or lithologic steps controlled by the major lineaments. Those deposits are composed by basal conglomerate and upper sandy-argilaceous units, associated with debris flow and locally aqueous flow. Drainage net, relief sculpture and Cenozoic sedimentary covers distribution show strong controls along lineaments, associated with tilting or collapse of blocks, promoting channel lateral migration, abandoned meanders, drainage captures and asymmetric valleys, triangular or trapezoidal facets and related dejection fans. This association points to neotectonic activity, related to the drift and rotation of the South American Plate towards west.
*Supported by FAPESP-Project-95/4417-3