--> Abstract: New Structural Geological Insights of the Caribbean and Andean Deformation (Southern Merida Andes, Venezuela), L. Benkovics, R. Limachi, J. Schmithalter, R. Tocco, A. Franco, A. Enchanove, M. la Cruz; #90078 (2008)

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New Structural Geological Insights of the Caribbean and Andean Deformation (Southern Merida Andes, Venezuela)

Laszlo Benkovics1, Rodrigo Limachi1, Julio Schmithalter1, Rafael Tocco2, Alejandro Franco2, Anglea Enchanove2, and Miguel la Cruz3
1 Lan Exploration RepsolYPH, The Woodlands, TX
2 RepsolYPF, Madrid, Spain
3 RepsolYPF, Caracus, Venezuela

After almost a decade of any activity, the southern part of the Merida Andes (Venezuela) exploration restarted. The area is exceptional because of the interaction of the older Caribbean (pre-Oligocene) deformation with the younger Andean (Neogene) deformation. This work shows the new data based on the recent field geological mapping of this interaction area including the results of the new 3D seismic acquisition.

The detailed field analysis demonstrates that the area is highly deformed and shows at least three main events of deformation. The first one is a low angle deformation related to the Caribbean deformation. The field study combined with the new 2D seismic interpretation demonstrates also that the widely interpreted (from strike-slip to overthrust) outcrop limit between the allochtonous and autochthonous units is a surface expression of a paleo-triangular zone; therefore, it should not be used for the estimation of the lateral displacement along the Bocono fault. The second deformation of the area is related to the reactivation of the old normal fault during the Neogene time. This normal fault reactivation has a strike-slip component based on the 3D data set. The last know deformation is the brittle deformation of the block related to the Bocono strike slip fault with several high angle strike-slip fault associated to the shear zone.

The geochemical analysis of the two allocthonous and autochthonous zone also shows a difference helping to define a clear limit between them. Additionally, the geochemical study indicates that the Sabaneta-Palmarito formations (Carboniferous-Permian) have good petroleum potential, based in the quantity and quality of the organic matter. Based on the recent drilling activity, it can be concluded that the older structures and basins have much more importance for the HC migration than originally was thought.