In fold-and-thrust belts where there is a high degree of structural complexity, artificial geometrical distortions are often present on seismic reflection profiles. These need to be minimized during modelling. We document a workflow in which depth mapping, velocity model building, well calibration and cross-section balancing are integrated into the seismic interpretation process to generate trustworthy structural models in complex zones. The proposed methodology is exemplified by a case study from the foothills zone of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera. In addition, sequential kinematic restoration of the modelled structure allowed an evaluation to be made of hydrocarbon migration routes during the period between the Oligocene and the middle Miocene. Following the previously mentioned workflow, we document a failed exploratory case study where all elements of the petroleum system are present except the trap. In this context, the documented case is a typical velocity pull-up. From this and published case studies, we conclude that in Andean settings and probably most on land contractional-foothill settings, the use of seismic images only does not provide enough evidence for the presence of traps and additional surface geological signatures must be documented. The proposed workflow therefore appears to be a useful tool for evaluating the exploration risk in structurally complex fold-and-thrust belt settings.
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Research Article|
July 05, 2024
Integrated geological and geophysical workflow for structural modelling: a case study from the contractional foothills zone of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera
Carlos Andrés Becerra-Bayona;
Carlos Andrés Becerra-Bayona
*
1
Halliburton
Landmark
, Calle 106 #57, 23 Oficina 201, Edificio 106 Square
, Bogotá, Colombia
*
Correspondence: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:
Andrés Mora
Andrés Mora
2
Ecopetrol S.A.
, Edificio Principal Cr 13 No. 36-24
, Bogotá, Colombia
Search for other works by this author on:
Carlos Andrés Becerra-Bayona
*
1
Halliburton
Landmark
, Calle 106 #57, 23 Oficina 201, Edificio 106 Square
, Bogotá, Colombia
Andrés Mora
2
Ecopetrol S.A.
, Edificio Principal Cr 13 No. 36-24
, Bogotá, Colombia
*
Correspondence: [email protected]
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Received:
23 Oct 2023
Revision Received:
03 Mar 2024
Accepted:
27 Mar 2024
First Online:
07 May 2024
Online ISSN: 2041-496X
Print ISSN: 1354-0793
Funding
- Funder(s):Ecopetrol
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by The Geological Society of London for GSL and EAGE. All rights reserved
© 2024 The Author(s)
Petroleum Geoscience (2024) 30 (3): petgeo2023-113.
Article history
Received:
23 Oct 2023
Revision Received:
03 Mar 2024
Accepted:
27 Mar 2024
First Online:
07 May 2024
Citation
Carlos Andrés Becerra-Bayona, Andrés Mora; Integrated geological and geophysical workflow for structural modelling: a case study from the contractional foothills zone of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera. Petroleum Geoscience 2024;; 30 (3): petgeo2023–113. doi: https://doi.org/10.1144/petgeo2023-113
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Index Terms/Descriptors
- Andes
- balanced cross sections
- case studies
- Cenozoic
- Colombia
- cross sections
- Eastern Cordillera
- faults
- fold and thrust belts
- geometry
- geophysical methods
- geophysical profiles
- geophysical surveys
- hydrocarbons
- kinematics
- migration
- Miocene
- models
- Neogene
- Oligocene
- organic compounds
- Paleogene
- petroleum exploration
- reflection methods
- seismic methods
- seismic profiles
- South America
- structural controls
- structural traps
- surveys
- Tertiary
- traps
- petroleum charge
Latitude & Longitude
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