Characterization of a Complex Deep Water Margin: Structural-domain Definition in the Colombian Caribbean Offshore and its Implications

Johnson, Stephen¹ and Mora-Glukstad, Miguel
¹[email protected]

"The Colombian Caribbean deep-water margin is a frontier exploration province with significant, albeit unproven, hydrocarbon potential. Renewed interest in the deep-water margin was highlighted in Colombia Ronda 2012 as the majority of the open acreage was licensed by exploration companies.

The Colombia deep-water margin is located at the convergence of the Caribbean and South American plates. Due to the evolution and interplay of these tectonic provinces there were multiple episodes of tectonism from Early Cretaceous to recent times. This resulted, among other major features, in the formation of the South Caribbean Deformed Belt (SCDB) which is considered the main deep water prospective target of the margin or in its immediate vicinity. Characterizing and understanding the structural complexity within the SCDB is therefore essential to be able to accurately assess the main elements of the petroleum systems from source rock presence, trap and reservoir.

As such, a regional study to define the structural elements of the deep water offshore was undertaken. Data availability is limited in the deep water with sparse regional 2D seismic data and no wells. However detailed mapping of the main structural elements allowed the definition of distinct structural domains across the margin from North to South. This presentation characterizes the various structural domains that have been identified on the margin and presents conclusions that address:-

1. How do the observations challenge/support established tectonic models for the region?
2. What are the implications for petroleum systems? "

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90166©2013 AAPG International Conference & Exhibition, Cartagena, Colombia, 8-11 September 2013