--> ABSTRACT: Tectonic and Petroleum System Evolution of the North Flank of the Merida Andes, Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela, by J. Kendall, R. McMullen, E. Peterson, R. Canard, F. Marcano, and F. Cassani; #91021 (2010)

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Tectonic and Petroleum System Evolution of the North Flank of the Merida Andes, Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela

KENDALL, J., R. MCMULLEN, E. PETERSON, CANARD, R., F. MARCANO, and F. CASSANI

The north flank of the Merida Andes records a Paleozoic collisional event, Jurassic rifting, Cretaceous passive margin, Eocene foredeep, and the Miocene to Recent northward progression of the Merida Andes uplifts and associated oil generative foredeeps. This last phase of deformation has been structurally reconstructed by integrating surface maps, seismic data, well data, thermal maturity data and AFTA data. The structural reconstructions constrain the depth, geometry, and timing of the advancing uplifts as well as the inversion of their associated foredeeps and piggy back basins. Geochemical 2D modeling along structural reconstructions which incorporate movement on the faults identifies the timing of oil generation in the foredeeps prior to inversion and shut down of the generative kitchens.

To date approximately 9 structures along the north flank of the Merida Andes have been tested. Numerous oil shows have been observed, but no economic accumulations have been found. The past exploration activity has been on structures that appear to be too young relative to oil generation. Older structures do exist for which the timing risk would be much less. This study allows the classification of prospects on the basis of timing of trap formation relative to oil generation.

This integrated method of analysis provides an improved understanding of the temporal nature of the petroleum system in the north flank of Merida Andes and allows for a better quantification of the risk.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.