The study was carried out through the collection, processing, and interpretation of seismic reflection profiles supplemented by velocity analysis, synthetic seismograms, and the construction of cross sections, and structure contour maps. The basin is only one-third of the size previously thought, and has a classic half graben shape with a seaward-dipping listric border fault on its west side. The stratigraphy of the basin is divided into two units separated by an intrabasinal unconformity. The lower unit is mainly fluvial, but also includes a coal layer that was determined through synthetic seismogram and geohistory modeling. The upper unit of the basin fill is comprised of a tripartite stratigraphy (fluvial-lacustrine-fluvial). The geohistory modeling was the basis for determining the basin evolution and to argue that significant thermal uplift predicted by Manspeizer's detachment models for the evolution of the Atlantic margin is unwarranted.

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