Two-phase Mesozoic opening of the Gulf of Mexico using regional gravity, well, seismic reflection data from both conjugate margins:

Abstract

Obduction and contraction of Cretaceous arc-volcanics, sedimentary and metamorphic terranes led to formation of stacked imbricate thrust sheets in NW Cuba. The stacked sheets consist of Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous carbonates and sandstones interleaved with ophiolites. The major onshore oil fields produce heavy oil from both fractured ophiolites and the carbonates. Recovery factors are low and significant enhanced production should be possible with extended reach horizontal wells and injection techniques. Deeper imbricate sheets remain to be tested.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90330©2018 AAPG Hedberg: Geology of Middle America – the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan, Caribbean, Grenada and Tobago Basins and Their Margins “Integration of the geology of the area from the southern onshore of North America to the northern onshore of South America”, Siguenza, Guadalajara, Spain, July 2-5, 2018