Título: Tectonic And Petroleum System Evolution Of The North Flank Of The Merida Andes, Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela

Autor: Kendall, J.; Mcmullen, R.; Peterson, E.; Canard, R.; Marcano, F.; Cassani, F.

Fuente: Annual. AAPG-SEPM-EMD-DPA-DEG Conv., Pap Abstr P A59, 1997

Lugar y fecha del Evento: Dallas, TX, United States, 4/6-9/97

Descriptores: Venezuela; Andes Mt Area; Hydrocarbon Potential; Lake Maracaibo Area; Rift Zone; Trap (Geology); Uplift

Año: 1997

Tipo de documento: Conferencia

Resumen: The north flank of the Merida Andes records a Paleozoic collisional event, Jurassic rifting, Cretaceous passive margin, Eocene foredeep, and the Miocene to Recent northward progression of the Merida Andes uplifts and associated oil-generative foredeeps. This last phase of deformation has been structurally reconstructed by integrating surface maps, seismic data, well data, thermal maturity data and AFTA data. The structural reconstructions constrain the depth, geometry, and timing of the advancing uplifts as well as the inversion of their associated foredeeps and piggyback basins. Geochemical 2-D modeling along structural reconstructions which incorporate movement on the faults identifies the timing of oil generation in the foredeeps prior to inversion and shutdown of the generative kitchens. To date, approx. 9 structures along the north flank of the Merida Andes have been tested. Numerous oil shows have been observed, but no economic accumulations have been found. The past exploration activity has been on structures that appear to be too young relative to oil generation. Older structures do exist for which the timing risk would be much less. This study allows the classification of prospects on the basis of timing of trap formation relative to oil generation. (Original not available from T.U.)