Abstract: Triangle Zone and Oil Prone Duplex Geometries in the Leading Edge of a Subandean Thrust Fold Belt, Neuquen Basin, Argentina

J. Victor, Ploszkiewicz

A typical Triangle Zone (after Gordy, 1977 and Jones, 1982), is present in the outer margin of the subandean fold belt of Argentina.

The occurrence of hydrocarbons, trapped in these subthrust geometries and the significant similarities and differences between them, are described.

The subject of this discussion is the elongate north-south trending mountain front, along the western side of the Argentine Neuquen Basin, where a number of oil fields have been discovered in such tectonic setting.

The nature and vertical arrangement of the lithologies involved in the deformation in this thrust fold belt, imprints a particular style.

In fact, the tectokinetic mobilization of large volumes of evaporites, in some cases can mimic the characteristics of more prospective TZs'.

Some emphasis in the usefulness of the "analogue" as an interpretation tool of these appealing features around the world, is also discussed and illustrated by means of balanced cross sections, seismic profiles and surface expression in sat-images.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994