Abstract: Exploration and Development of the Fluvial Deposits in the Potrerillos Formation, Cuyana Basin, Mendoza, Argentina

Claudio Fernandez, Pablo Agraz

In the Barrancas area are located the oil fields related to structures developed in the Oriental axis of the Cuyana Basin. The anticlinal axis of the Barrancas oil field has a NNW-SSE strike and dips toward North. The Oriental flank is abruptly bounded by faulting whilst the Occidental one is gently dipping. The Barrancas oil field was developed between the 1940s and 1960s, having both Early Jurassic conglomerates of the Barrancas Formation and Triassic fluvial braided deposits from Las Cabras Formation as the main targets. The review of new plays within the Triassic fluvial cycles belonging to the Potrerillos Formation was encouraged by the success obtained in the recovery of important volumes of oil from the overlying Formations. The application of a sequence stratigrap y approach to the fluvial settings combined with petrophysics data from outcrop studies and a 3D seismic interpretation allowed a new play concept to be conceived. This new play concept will have application in zones far away from the study area, where Potrerillos Formation has exploration interest.

A team integrate by geologists, geophysicists, and engineers has produced new opportunities on mature oil fields with up to 300 drilled wells.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90951©1996 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Caracas, Venezuela