Boletín de Geología

Vol. 45 No. 3 (2023): Boletín de Geología
Artículos científicos

The Mio-Pliocene model for hydrocarbon entrapment of the Oritupano-Leona Block (Maturín Sub-Basin, Eastern Basin of Venezuela): a review

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  • Eduardo A. Rossello,
  • Oscar R. López-Gamundí,
  • Marcos E. Mozetic
Eduardo A. Rossello
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Oscar R. López-Gamundí
P1Consultants
Marcos E. Mozetic
Consultor independiente
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18273/revbol.v45n3-2023006

Published 2023-10-26

Keywords

  • Growth faults,
  • Drag folds,
  • Transcurrent system,
  • Hydrocarbon traps,
  • Tectosedimentation

How to Cite

Rossello, E. A., López-Gamundí, O. R., & Mozetic, M. E. (2023). The Mio-Pliocene model for hydrocarbon entrapment of the Oritupano-Leona Block (Maturín Sub-Basin, Eastern Basin of Venezuela): a review. Boletín De Geología, 45(3), 95–118. https://doi.org/10.18273/revbol.v45n3-2023006

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Abstract

The Oritupano-Leona Block (BOL) is located along the southern margin of the prolific Maturín Sub-Basin (Eastern Basin of Venezuela). From the available seismic interpretation, a 3D structural model for the Lower Miocene-Pliocene sequence is proposed based on three growth fault systems formed by subordinate segments in the Lower Miocene (17.3 Ma), Middle Miocene (15.35 Ma), and Late Miocene-Pliocene. The structural style is characterized by E-W synthetic normal faults dipping to the North or to the South in a regional counterslope (antithetic faulting) forming tectonic pillars and associated drag folds affected by NE-SW oriented, dextral transpressive faults dipping to the NW with overlapping ends due to lateral and vertical propagation. The faults generated the accommodation for growth strata synsedimentary with variable strengths between the intermediate and central sections of the fault segments, where traps were formed for the sandstones of the Oficina and Merecure formations. The structural morphologies are linked to a dextral transtensive system related to a flexural uplift during Oligocene-Miocene times due to the eastern translation of the Caribbean plate along the northern limit of the South American plate. This analysis provides structural criteria that contribute to the definition of strategies for exploration and development of remaining exploratory targets.

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