On the basis of fracture pattern analysis and two-dimensional gravimetric crustal models a tentative mechanism is proposed for the tectonic evolution of the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá rift. The direction of active stress during the basin evolution defined from observations of differential crustal thinning was related to a N60°W regional extension. It seems that reactivated major NW trending Precambriam fault zones have played an important role during the Early Cretaceous tectonic phase in the studied area, acting as transform faults subparallel to the extensional stress direction. The most significant zones along which lateral movement is characterized are- the Mata-Catu trend, the Itapicuru fault system and the Vaza-Barris high. The rift is markedly asymmetric whith faults downtrow and subsidence increasing toward one side; crustal thickness decreases in the sarne direction. The importance of transform movement in the evolution of the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá rift is analogous to that recognized in other similar basins of the world.Resumo indisponível.