Тип бассейна:
Подтип бассейна:
Класс бассейна:
Возраст бассейна:
Тип полезных ископаемых:
Геологический возраст начало:
Геологический возраст конец:
Площадь: 38014.04 км²
Basque-Cantabrian Basin
The Basque-Cantabrian Basin, located in northern Spain, has been a focal point of hydrocarbon exploration and production since the discovery of the Ayoluengo oil field in 1964. As the only onshore oil field in Spain, Ayoluengo has played a significant role in understanding this complex geological region's petroleum system and basin evolution. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive basin analysis and evaluate the Ayoluengo oil field's petroleum potential within the BasqueCantabrian Basin's broader context. The Basque-Cantabrian Basin formed due to Mesozoic rifting and subsequent Alpine compression, creating a complex tectonic and stratigraphic framework. The basin's evolution has led to the development of various source rocks, reservoirs, and trapping mechanisms, making it an intriguing subject for petroleum geologists and researchers alike. The Ayoluengo field, situated in the southwestern part of the basin, has produced over 17 million barrels of oil since its discovery. Despite its relatively modest production, the field provides valuable insights into the basin's petroleum system and offers potential analogs for future regional exploration targets. This research will focus on integrating geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to reconstruct the basin's evolution, identify key elements of the petroleum system, and assess the remaining hydrocarbon potential of the Ayoluengo field and surrounding areas. By combining traditional basin analysis techniques with modern analytical methods, this study aims to contribute to understanding the Basque-Cantabrian Basin's hydrocarbon resources and guide future exploration efforts in this geologically complex region.
Formation and Evolution
Rift System: The Basque-Cantabrian Basin originated during the Mesozoic era as part of the North Atlantic Bay of Biscay rift system. This rifting event resulted in the initial subsidence and formation of the basin, characterized by extensional tectonics.
Alpine Compression: The basin's geological history was profoundly influenced by Alpine compression during the Cenozoic era. This tectonic event led to significant structural modifications, including the formation of folds and thrusts. The compression associated with the Pyrenean orogeny is a key factor in the current geological configuration of the basin.
Stratigraphy
Paleozoic Basement: The basement of the basin is composed of Paleozoic rocks, which provide a stable foundation for the overlying sedimentary sequences.
Sedimentary Fill: Overlying the Paleozoic basement is a thick sequence of sedimentary rocks deposited through various geological periods:
Triassic Evaporites: These include thick layers of evaporitic deposits such as salt and gypsum, which are crucial in the basin’s structural and hydrocarbon trapping mechanisms.
Jurassic Carbonates: During the Jurassic period, the basin experienced the deposition of extensive carbonate platforms, which are important for reservoir potential.
Cretaceous to Paleogene Deposits: This interval features a mix of clastic and carbonate sediments, reflecting changing depositional environments and contributing to the basin's overall complexity.
Folding and thrusting
E-W Trending Structures: The basin's structure is dominated by east-west (E-W) trending folds and thrusts, which resulted from the compressional forces of the Pyrenean orogeny. These structures have played a critical role in shaping the basin’s current geological framework.
Anticlinal Structures: The Ayoluengo oil field is situated on an anticline, a prominent fold structure created during the compressional event. This anticline serves as a key feature for hydrocarbon accumulation, as it provides structural traps for hydrocarbons.
Petroleum System
Lower Cretaceous Sandstones: The primary reservoir rocks in the Ayoluengo oil field are sandstones from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden facies. These sandstones were deposited in fluvial and deltaic environments, providing significant reservoir potential due to their porosity and permeability.
Interbedded Shales and Siltstones: These shales and siltstones serve as seals, preventing the upward migration of hydrocarbons and contributing to the field's overall reservoir capacity.
Source rocks
Jurassic Marine Shales: The source rocks for the Ayoluengo oil are primarily organic-rich marine shales from the Jurassic period. These shales are crucial for hydrocarbon generation due to their high organic content and thermal maturity.
Source: Comprehensive Basin Analysis and Petroleum Potential Evaluation of Ayoluengo Oil Field, BasqueCantabrian Basin, Spain. Odoh, B. I., Ahaneku, C. V., Nwafuluibeya, S. C., Ijeh, E. C., Ochili, M. C., Okpara, A. O., Ozoemena, O. G., Eze, I. E., Okeke, G. C. and Udeh-Akpeh, T. O. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International Volume 28, Issue 10, Page 125-142, 2024
Следующий Бассейн: Bristol Channel - South Wales Coal