Petroleum geology of northern central America

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · J. Pet. Geol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.1980.tb01003.x· OSTI ID:6994978

Bishop, W F

Major reserves of oil exist in the Reforma area of Tabasco and Chiapas states and the Campeche Shelf of SE Mexico in high-energy, bank-edge, reef-derived or reef-associated carbonate rocks, ranging in age from Late Jurassic to earliest Late Cretaceous. It is the conclusion of this study that the Reforma reservoir facies does not extend into West Guatemala. However, there the potential for major reserves in bank and lagoonal carbonates of similar age is considered excellent. A variety of structures, mostly resulting from salt tectonics, is present. Known reservoir rocks include fractured carbonates with secondary porosity resulting from solution and dolomitization, and limestones with primary intergranular porosity. An indigenous source is likely for the large quantities of oil which have been tested at Rubelsanto. Seals in the form of thick intervals of Cretaceous anhydrite and, in places, of Tertiary fine-grained clastics, are abundant. The area E of Rubelsanto may have considered merit, particularly if detailed structural analysis indicates that similar salt-tectonic features are present. The less deeply-buried areas of Cretaceous carbonates are not highly regarded because: (1) salt is absent; (2) temperatures sufficient for maturation of hydrocarbons may be lacking; and (3) a considerable number of dry holes with no significant shows have been drilled. North Guatemala is somewhat attractive, because the proper combination of unmetamorphosed Paleozoic organic shale on basement highs, well-developed Todos Santos sandstone reservoirs, and the overlying thick evaporite seal could trap sizable hydrocarbon accumulations. However, as degree of metamorphism decreases, presumably basinward, distance from source terrain for detritus increases and reservoirs may be inadequate. 13 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Tenneco Oil E and P, Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6994978
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Geol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Geol.; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN JPEGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
BUILDUP
CARBON COMPOUNDS
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CENTRAL AMERICA
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOLOMITE
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC AGES
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HYDROCARBONS
JURASSIC PERIOD
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ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PALEOZOIC ERA
PETROLEUM
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RESERVOIR ROCK
ROCKS
SALTS
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS