Author： Grassmann Stefan Franke Dieter Neben Sönke Schnabel Michael Damm Volkmar
Publisher： E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung
ISSN： 1860-1804
Source： Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaften, Vol.162, Iss.1, 2011-03, pp. : 79-89
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Abstract
This paper investigates the source rock maturity of the deepwater area (>2 km water depth) offshore Argentina and assesses the influence of different heat flow scenarios on maturity development. Previously acquired seismic profiles were depth converted, interpreted and subsequently modelled using a finite-elements approach. In addition to the recent structure, important input data comprise a detailed stratigraphic scheme, the lithology of the sedimentary rocks, together with different heat flow scenarios. We also assume that excellent Aptian marine source rocks, which are known from the African continental margin, are also present offshore Argentina.In general, sediment thicknesses at the Argentine continental margin range between one and only few kilometres, and the thermal maturity of the sedimentary organic matter is therefore generally low. However, three areas were mapped with significantly higher sediment thicknesses ranging from 4 to 6 km. In those areas, Cretaceous to Middle Tertiary sediments are overlain by later Tertiary contourites/turbidites (Oligocene and younger). These contourite intervals can reach thicknesses up to 3 km and may have caused the Aptian sediments to be buried sufficiently to reach maturities suitable for hydrocarbon generation and migration.We tentatively identify an active Aptian-Colorado(?) Petroleum System comprising an Aptian marine source rock, a mid to late Cretaceous Colorado Formation reservoir interval and the Danian Pedro Luro Formation (or its equivalents) as a possible regional seal on the Atlantic continental margin, offshore Argentina.
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