Ages and depositional environments of Paleogene rocks in the southern Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 UTC 1996 · AAPG Bulletin

OSTI ID:421174

Pocknall, D T ^[1]; Erlich, R N ^[2]

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1. Amoco, Exploration & Production Technology Group, Houston, TX (United States)
2. Amoco, Worldwide Exploration Business Group, Houston, TX (United States)

Detailed studies of Paleogene rocks exposed in road cuts and rivers along the north flank of the Merida Andes in Venezuela provide a means of assisting the interpretation of subsurface data and therefore assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of the Southern Maracaibo Basin. Thick sections at Rio Chama, Rio Lora and Rio Lobaterita, together with many smaller outcrop localities, were measured and sampled to determine the ages and depositional environments of Paleogene formations. Observations and measurements taken at the outcrop include gamma ray signature, bed thickness, mineralogy, and associated sedimentary structures. Extensive sets of samples were taken for paleontological (especially palynology) analyses. This paper highlights the significant geological characteristics of the Barco, Los Cuervos, Mirador, and Carbonera formations, illustrated with measured sections showing gamma ray, geochemical, and palynological abundance logs. These observations together with proprietary subsurface data have made it possible to construct maps of Paleogene paleogeography of the Southern Maracaibo Basin, providing an understanding of the depositional environments and regional extent of potential hydrocarbon reservoirs and seals.

• OSTI ID: 421174
• Report Number(s): CONF-9609255--
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 80; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC MODELS
PETROLEUM
RESERVOIR ROCK
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
STRATIGRAPHY
VENEZUELA