--> Abstract: Hydrocarbon Exploration in the Amazon Rain Forest: A Nonconventional Approach Using Prospecting Geochemistry, Microbiology, and Remote Sensing Methodologies, by M. R. Mello, F. T. T. Gonalves, and N. A. Babinski; #91012 (1992).

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ABSTRACT: Hydrocarbon Exploration in the Amazon Rain Forest: A Nonconventional Approach Using Prospecting Geochemistry, Microbiology, and Remote Sensing Methodologies

MELLO, MARCIO R., FELIX T. T. GONALVES, and NELSON A. BABINSKI, Petrobras Research Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The sedimentary basins in the Amazon rain forest are classified as Paleozoic interior sags. The approximately 5000 m of sedimentary column consists mainly of Devonian and Carboniferous, intruded by diabase sills and covered by Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments.

The hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation appear to be controlled by the Jurassic-Triassic intrusions that are close to the Devonian marine black shales from the Curua Formation. The effect of the heat of the intrusions over the source rocks qualifies it as a condensate- and gas-prone area.

Many geochemical, geological, and geophysical methods have been used to solve the difficult task of finding oil in the Amazon rain forest. Hydrocarbon seeps are the best evidence for the presence of petroleum in sedimentary basins. The detection of seepage using surface geochemical, microbiological, and remote sensing is increasing in importance and application. Such methods are considered the fastest, most cost effective, and, from an environmental point of view, the cleanest.

The aim of this study is to show the use of a multidisciplinary approach in the search for hydrocarbon accumulations in the Jurua area of the Amazon rain forest, Solimoes basin, Brazil.

The microbial and geochemical surveys show a trend of anomalies that follow the most conspicuous structural features mapped in the area through remote sensing and geophysical methods.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)