Course Content
A detailed biostratigraphic analysis and stratigraphic framework of the Paleocene and Eocene Chicontepec Formation in the Tampico-Misantla basin, onshore eastern Mexico, was conducted using 33 wells. The objective was to have an independent re-evaluation of the geological framework for future evaluation of the resources. The Eocene and upper Paleocene stratigraphy in the basin is very complicated and it was found that a well spacing of 5-10 km was necessary in order to identify the depositional character of each sequence. A detailed Wheeler diagram, with time increments of 0.1 Ma, was constructed for the stratigraphic framework using the interpreted graphical biostratigraphic data on the wells. Rock accumulation rates (uncorrected for compaction, dewatering etc) in the sequences are between 10 and 20 cm/1000 yrs. The regional stratigraphic framework is defined by five sequence boundaries: SB 65.5, SB 60.4, SB 54, SB 46 and SB 38.1. Once these sequence boundaries were established it was possible to reconstruct the depositional history of the Eocene submarine fans which were sourced from the southwest margin of the basin. After SB 54, there are five sediment entry points into the basin from the southwest. The northern two entry points coincide exactly with two canyons identified from Chicontepec outcrop studies (Cossey and Van Nieuwenhuise, 2011). Additional entry points are identified to the south of the outcrop study area where fieldwork was inconclusive, but the subsurface evidence indicates the presence of three more canyons. After SB 46, there are six sediment entry points into the basin from the southwest. The additional entry point correlates exactly with the large San Lorenzo canyon which was identified from fieldwork (Cossey and Van Nieuwenhuise, 2011).
Topics
- Tampico-Misantla Basin
- Paleocene and Eocene Chicontepec Formation
- Biostratigraphy
- Gulf of Mexico Eocene Isolation
- Integration of Outcrop and Subsurface
- Wheeler Diagram
Structure of the E-Symposium
Each e-symposium consists of one-hour live e-symposium, along with material for one full day of independent study. The live portion will be followed by a full day of independent study (not a live event). The one-hour live e-symposium can be accessed from any computer anywhere in the world using a high-speed internet connection. After the event is over, you will receive via email information about accessing the asynchronous segment (not live) which consists of your independent study materials, to be accessed and studied at any time. You will be able to email responses to the readings, along with your study question answers for CEU credit (if you sign up for the extended package).