Deformation, Fluid Flow, and Reservoir Appraisal in Foreland Fold and Thrust Belts

Several topics are covered including: *the use of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions and apatite fission tracks as paleothermometers for reconstructing P-T evolution of subthrust reservoirs *the use of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions and apatite fission tracks as paleothermometers for reconstructing P-T evolution of subthrust reservoirs *the coupling of kinematic and thermal modeling performed to trace the burial (P-T) evolution of potential source rocks and reservoirs in three cases studies in the southern Apennines, Colombia, and Pakistan *analytical results and integrated studies, which link deformation and fluid circulation in various fold and thrust belts, with the Sierra Madre in Mexico, the Central Brooks Range, the Arctic in Alaska, the Coastal belt in northern Spain, and the Ukraine featured. Links between deformation, fluid flow, diagenesis, and reservoir characteristics are discussed in depth and descriptions of petrographic techniques integrated with basin modeling are discussed in case studies for carbonate reservoirs in the Apennines, the Canadian Rockies, and the Polish Carpathians, and for sandstone reservoirs in Eastern Venezuela. Sixteen of the twenty-one chapters illustrate the influence of thrust-belt evolution on regional petroleum systems. The petroleum potential in the Tunisian Atlas and in Sicily, close to where the Hedberg Conference and post-conference field trip were held, is described. An older example is documented, for the Gaspé Appalachians, where multiphase Paleozoic deformation had a strong control on the burial history of potential source rocks, petroleum generation and migration, and oil charge of the traps. As the first in the brand-new Hedberg Series of publications, this volume is a comprehensive look at understanding petroleum systems in fold and thrust belts.
Vein Formation in Cretaceous Carbonates in the Laramide Foreland Fold and Thrust Belt of Eastern Mexico Available to Purchase
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Published:January 01, 2004
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CitationH. Ferket, R. Swennen, S. Ortuño-Arzate, M. C. Cacas, F. Roure, 2004. "Vein Formation in Cretaceous Carbonates in the Laramide Foreland Fold and Thrust Belt of Eastern Mexico", Deformation, Fluid Flow, and Reservoir Appraisal in Foreland Fold and Thrust Belts, Rudy Swennen, François Roure, James W. Granath
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Abstract
A structural analysis and petrographic investigation has been performed on veins in Cretaceous carbonates in the Cordoba Platform in eastern Mexico, which is part of the Laramide foreland fold and thrust belt (FFTB). This chapter focuses on the different episodes of vein formation, vein morphology, and possible mechanisms of vein formation. Vein (fracture) formation is interpreted in relation to the kinematic evolution of the FFTB. Evidence for the development of hydrofractures during this evolution is given.
This study documents veins (fractures) related to Laramide FFTB development in the Cordoba Platform. These veins (fractures) are related to the kinematic evolution of the area and the inferred paleostress conditions. The kinematic evolution can be split up into three major stages: a precompression phase with platform development; a Laramide compressional stage, during which the FFTB developed; and finally, a late Basin and Range-related extension phase.
Compound veins and densely spaced microveins record multiple fracturing events in a cyclic stress field during burial, most probably caused by changes in fluid pressure. They are interpreted in relation with early foreland flexuring. With rising compressional stress, less well-oriented veins and breccia veins develop because of a lowered differential stress in the prefolding stage. Progressive layer-parallel shortening (LPS) leads to a caterpillar-type scenario of fluid migration toward the foreland, eventually causing hydrofracturing, succeeded by pressure solution and development of vertical stylolitic planes. These LPS stylolites have the potential to be reopened during subsequent folding of the strata. In addition, older LPS-parallel planes and extrados fractures may open in anticlinal hinges. Shear-associated, shallow-dipping veins develop after LPS development, possibly because of bedding-parallel shear and/or thrust migration. Other post-LPS veins are steeply dipping and commonly reuse older vein orientations. Dark, banded veins, which are filled with a silt-sized and clay-sized material and lack significant cementation, are interpreted to reflect fracture planes along which recrystallization of matrix occurred. Many post-LPS dissolution-enlarged veins and breccias relate to telogenetic karstification. Post-LPS multiple brecciation just above a major thrust plane in the buried tectonic front area is interpreted to reflect the damage zone of that fault.