--> ABSTRACT: Madre De Dios Basin, Bolivia; An Example of the Complex Interplay Between Tectonics, Eustacy, Climate, Sediment Supply and Basin Configuration in a Foreland Basin, by John B. Wagner, Richard J. Moiola, Larry B. Fearn, and Kirby Rodgers; #91019 (1996)

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Madre De Dios Basin, Bolivia; An Example of the Complex Interplay Between Tectonics, Eustacy, Climate, Sediment Supply and Basin Configuration in a Foreland Basin

John B. Wagner, Richard J. Moiola, Larry B. Fearn, and Kirby Rodgers

A integrated exploration approach to basin analysis was undertaken to delineate the petroleum system of the Madre de Dios basin, northern Bolivia. The basin is located on the gentle dip slope of the tectonically active sub-Andean foreland basin. Traps are primarily stratigraphic, potential reservoirs and seals are Paleozoic to Late Mesozoic age. Depositional environments were determined from over three thousand meters of continuous core from two wells drilled in 1992.

A world class Upper Devonian source rock (TOC's as high as 18%) is present and marks the deepest marine incursion into the basin. Devonian depositional environments range from subaerial delta plain (distributary channels, interdistributary bays to splays) to subaqueous delta front environments (distributary-mouth bar to prodelta). Late Carboniferous to Early Permian sequences are characterized by eolian dunes, coastal sabkha, and shallow marine carbonate environments, indicating a major post Devonian climatic change. Cretaceous sequences are composed mainly of strata of fluvial origin deposited in a "large-scale" incised valley (10 to 15 kilometers in width and 145 meters in depth). Cretaceous strata however, become more marine in character toward the southwest foredeep. Because of th variation in depositional environments and their stratal architecture, as well as the span of geologic time (450 to 60 m.y.) represented by the section, the Madre De Dios basin serves as an excellent example of the complex interplay between tectonics, eustacy, climate, sediment supply and basin configuration.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California