Inversion tectonics in the Maracaibo area, Venezuela

Conference · Sun Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1993 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:6066920

Roberta, M ^[1]; Duval, B; Cramez, C

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1. Maraven S.A., Caracas (Venezuela)

Sequence stratigraphy and structural interpretation of regional composite seismic lines and new 3D seismic data of Lake Maracaibo lead us to question the old [open quotes]strike-slip fault movement[close quotes] geological paradigm as the major cause of deformation in this area. The pre-Miocene compressional structures of the majority of the oil fields of this area such as Ceuta, Lama, Motatan, etc., are easily and better explained as the result of a Tertiary Tectonic Inversion. Such inversion can be interpreted as a consequence of shortening of [open quotes]depocenters[close quotes] (grabens and half grabens) developed during extensional phases of a back-arc basin. During this shortening, the old faults bordering the [open quotes]depocenters[close quotes] were reactivated with reverse movements creating large compressional structural traps in the hanging wall (old downthrown block). Thin-skinned compressional deformation can occur, locally, outside the major [open quotes]depocenters[close quotes] in the footwall areas between faults of opposite vergence.

• OSTI ID: 6066920
• Report Number(s): CONF-930306--
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Vol. 77:2; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CENOZOIC ERA
DEFORMATION
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
GEOLOGY
LATIN AMERICA
MINERAL RESOURCES
OIL FIELDS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SOUTH AMERICA
STRATIGRAPHY
TECTONICS
TERTIARY PERIOD
VENEZUELA