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Southeast Caribbean and Guiana Basins: Recent Studies and Advances in Understanding the Geology of Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela

Occurred Thursday, 17 September – Friday, 18 September 2020, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Virtual Research Symposium via Zoom (Bogota, Colombia time)

Thursday, 17 September – Morning Session

SESSION I: TECTONIC SETTING Convener: Brian W. Horn, Cairn Oil and Gas
07:00-07:15	Welcome and Introductions Clyde Griffith, Suriname Ministry of Natural Resources Xavier Moonan, Touchstone Exploration, Technical Program Chairs Elvira Pureza Gomez, AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region President
07:15-08:00	Keynote: Mesozoic–Cenozoic Tectonic Setting of the Greater Trinidad–Guianas Continental Margin, NE South America James Pindell, Tectonic Analysis Ltd. (presenter), Kyle Reuber, ION
08.00-08:30	Tectonic Evolution of Sedimentary Basins Around the Arcuate Southeastern Margin of the Caribbean Plate Tricia Alvarez, Heritage Petroleum Limited (presenter); Paul Mann, University of Houston; Lesli Wood, Colorado School of Mines
08:30-09:00	Constraints on the Exhumation of the Northern Range, Trinidad Through RSCM Ivano Gennaro (presenter), Xu Chu, University of Toronto; John Weber, Grand Valley State University; Alberto Vitale Brovarone, Università degli studi di Torino and Institut de Minéralogie, des Physique de Matériaux et de Cosmochimie; Jeannette Arkle, Augustana College
09:00-09:15	Break
09:15-09:45	Neogene Paleostress And Structural Evolution of Trinidad: Rotation, Strain Partitioning, and Strike-Slip Reactivation of an Obliquely-Colliding Thrust Belt Paul Mann (presenter), J.C. Hippolyte, University of Houston
09:45-10:15	Exploring the Ortoire Syncline, Southern Basin, Trinidad Xavier Moonan (presenter), Connie McLaren, Lynn Anderson, Touchstone Exploration
10:15-10:45	Effects of Subducting Bathymetric Highs on Variations in the Wedge Taper Angles of the Barbados Accretionary Prism Bryan Moore (presenter), Paul Mann, University of Houston
10:45-11:15	Session wrap-up, Q&A with all presenters

Thursday, 17 September – Afternoon Session

SESSION II: BASIN ANALYSIS Convener: Benjamin Kirkland, CNOOC International
11:15-12:00	Lunch & Learn Virtual Field Trip A Virtual Traverse of Onshore Southern Basin, Trinidad Along SBC 2D Seismic Line TD91-177 Xavier Moonan, Senior Geoscientist, Touchstone Exploration
12:15-13:00	Keynote: “Turning to the Right" in the COGS (Columbus-Orinoco-Guyana-Suriname) Basins: Digging into their Gross Architecture, Filling and Hydrocarbon Generation Stories William Dickson (presenter), DIGs; Mark E. Odegard, GrizGeo LLC
13:00-13:30	The Petroleum System of the Guiana Basin, Guyana and Suriname Andrew Pepper (presenter), Lara Heister, This !s Petroleum Systems LLC; Chris Yarbrough, Belmont Technology Inc.
13:30-14:00	Source Rock and Petroleum Geochemical Analysis of the Southeastern Caribbean and Guiana Basin Luis Miguel Bernardo, Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas
14:00-14:15	Break
14:15-14:45	Guyana-Suriname Offshore Hydrocarbon System: Additional Thoughts on the Albian to Coniacian Play Peter Bartok, Bartok Inc. (presenter); Simon Oropeza, Independent Consultant; Charles Campbell, Accel Services Inc.
14:45-15:15	Structure, Stratigraphy, and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Easternmost Part of the Eastern Venezuela Basin Karilys Castillo (presenter), Paul Mann, University of Houston
15:15-15:45	Potential For Hydrocarbons in Older Reservoirs in Southern Trinidad Krishna Persad, Krishna Persad and Associates Limited
15:45-16:00	Session wrap-up, Q&A with all presenters
16:00-17:00	Virtual Networking Session and Trivia Contest Hosted by Shenille Samlal, AAPG Trinidad & Tobago YP Chapter President and Rhadima Bisai, AAPG Suriname YP Chapter President

Friday, 18 September – Morning Session

SESSION III: GEOPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION AND PLAY ASSESSMENT Convener: Stanley Wharton, Subsurface Imaging
07:00-07:10	Welcome and Introductions
07:10-07:30	AAPG Activities in the Latin America and Caribbean Region Elvira Pureza Gómez, AAPG Latin America and Caribbean Region President
07:30-08:15	Keynote: Crustal Structure of the Ranger Discovery Based on the Integration of High-Resolution Seismic with 2-1/2 & 3-Dimensional Gravity and Magnetic Modeling Mark Longacre, MBL, Inc.
08:15-08:45	Using a Regional Gravity Model to Define the Crustal Setting of Recent, Giant Oil Discoveries in Guyana And Suriname Mei Liu (presenter), Paul Mann, University of Houston
08:45-09:15	Advanced Seismic Processing in Deep Water Environments, Exploration Uplifts Ranvir Soenessardien, Staatsolie
09:15-09:30	Break
09:30-10:00	Guyana Suriname Basin: Exploration Past, Brilliant Present and Promising Future of a New World Class Basin Max A. Torres, Plata Energy
10:00-10:30	Petroleum System Assessment of Trinidad Tobago, Barbados and Suriname Area based on Crude Oil, Gas and Piston Core Data Craig Schiefelbein (presenter), James Brooks, David Stansbury, Zvi Sofer, Adolpho Requejo, Geochemical Solutions International, Inc.
10:30-11:00	New Seismic Fitness Attribute: Unbiased AI/ML Derived Paleo Geomorphology/Facies Anthony Aming, Seisnetics (presenter); Ibraheem Ali, PetroCom Technologies
11:00-11:15	Session wrap-up, Q&A with all presenters
11:15–12:00	Lunch and Learn Panel with Belize Natural Energy (BNE) The Public Private Partnership of the Future …. Today! Sustainability in Harmony and Balance with the Planet Susan Morrice - Co Founder and Chair BNE Ltd; Marlowe Neal - CEO of BNE Ltd; Albert Garcia - Chair BNE Trust; Sharon Roberts - Director of Special Projects

Friday, 18 September – Afternoon Session

SESSION IV: STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY Convener: John B. Wagner, Pluspetrol
12:15-13:00	Keynote: Risk Analysis of Deep Water Stratigraphic Traps Vitor Abreu, ACT Geosciences
13:00-13:30	Guyana-Suriname Deep Water Hydrocarbon System, Three Rivers and Two Source Rocks Ken Nibbelink (presenter), Dick Boyce, Mosab Nasser and John Boyce, JHI Associates, Inc (BVI)
13:30-14:00	Revisiting Mass-Transport Complexes and Associated Process in the Offshore area of Trinidad and Venezuela after 14 years of Publishing! What’s New and Relevant for the New Boom in the Region?, Lorena Moscardelli, Equinor
14:00-14:15	Break
14:15-14:45	Stratigraphic and Radiometric Evidence for the Oligocene Emergence of the Southern Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc Between the Grenada and Tobago Basins Jacob Miller (presenter), Paul Mann, The University of Houston
14:45-15:15	Unravelling the Influence of Tectonics on Sediment Distribution and the Changing Clinoform Geometry of the Orinoco River Delta’s Late Miocene deposits, the Cruse Formation, Trinidad Ariana Osman (presenter), Ryan Ramsook, The University of the West Indies; Ron J. Steel, Cornel Olariu, The University of Texas at Austin; Si Chen, China University of Geosciences
15:15-15:45	Using Rock-Based Sedimentology & Petrography to Distinguish and Predict Problematic Non-Reservoir Facies, Offshore Suriname-Guyana Luisa Man (presenter), Simon Greenfield, Anne McAfee, Tom Wilson, Core Laboratories UK
15:45-16:00	Session wrap-up, Q&A with all presenters
16:00-16:15	Break
16:15-17:15	Panel Discussion: Current Activity and Exploration Potential in Southeastern Caribbean and Guiana Basins Moderator: Javed Razack, Director of Contracts, Proposals and New Ventures, Ramps Logistics Ltd. Panelists: Neil Evans, Practice Lead Exploration Excellence, BHP Katy Henderson-Moses, Greater Cassia Area Manager for Reservoir Development, BP Trinidad & Tobago James Shipka, Chief Operating Officer, Touchstone Exploration Ryan Ramsook, Petroleum Geoscience Coordinator and Researcher, University of the West Indies; Randy Hiscock, Business Development and Managing Director, Bahamas Petroleum Brian Glover, Vice President Offshore, Staatsolie Ken Nibbelink, Vice President Exploration, JHI Americas Kevin Ramnarine, Energy Consultant, Guyana Local Content Committee

Recorded Presentations

This recording is available to the participants of the event. It can also be purchased separately through the AAPG Store. Click on the picture or the title of the video for viewing or purchasing options.

Mesozoic–Cenozoic Tectonic Setting of the Greater Trinidad–Guianas Continental Margin, NE South America

Author(s): James Pindell, Tectonic Analysis Ltd. (presenter), Kyle Reuber, ION We review all the necessary tectonic reconstructions and evolutionary stages that have gone into the development of the Trinidad-Guianas margin since the Jurassic. This includes: the Equatorial Atlantic assembly between West Africa and north-eastern South America; the reconstruction of that conjoined margin with North America (Florida–Bahamas); the Proto-Caribbean closure of the Yucatán Block against Venezuela–northern Trinidad; the progressive breakup of the Gulf of Mexico and then the Proto-Caribbean Seaway; the separation history between Florida-Bahamas and the Guianas margin assuming two types of crust (continental vs igneous) beneath Great Bank, Bahamas; the opening of the Equatorial Atlantic; the possible inversion of northern South America in the Paleogene; and, finally, the arrival of the Caribbean Plate from the west. Specific issues addressed include: the igneous character of the basement of Demerara Rise–southern Guinea Plateau and the recent dredging of 173 Ma mafic rock (Basile et al. 2020) thereof; the likelihood that the continental crust of western Florida-Bahamas was stretched enough to maintain intra-continental contact with the conjugate Guianas margin through Middle Jurassic time; evidence for Paleogene inversion along northern South America and the possibility of two accretionary prisms in the Barbados Ridge; the Paleogene opening mechanism for the Grenada and Tobago basins within the Caribbean Plate; the middle Miocene oblique collision of the south-eastern Caribbean Plate with Eastern Venezuela and Trinidad; and the transition from dextral transpression to transtension in the SE Caribbean at 10 Ma. The regional framework provided by this assessment is general but identifies the pertinent issues and therefore provides a guide for refinement and more detailed work as data sets improve. Bio James Pindell, Tectonic Analysis Jim earned a BSc from the Colgate University, a MSc from the State University of New York at Albany, and a PhD from the Durham University UK. With 35 years of experience, he is currently the director at Tectonic Analysis Ltd. In Duncton, West Sussex, U.K., where he is on charge of leading research programs. He previously worked for 10 years interpreting basement structure for ION Geophysical (2010-2020). Jim’s professional memberships includes AAPG, GSA, AGU, GSL, and GCASGS.

Tectonic Evolution of Sedimentary Basins Around the Arcuate Southeastern Margin of the Caribbean Plate

Author(s): Tricia Alvarez, Heritage Petroleum Limited (presenter); Paul Mann, University of Houston; Lesli Wood, Colorado School of Mines The Trinidad region of the southeastern Caribbean presents a unique opportunity to observe phases of deformation which are responsible for complex and superimposed deformation structures along the northern South American margin. These deformational phases have developed progressively around the arcuate, eastward-advancing front of the Caribbean plate. The along-strike, plate boundary transition from subduction to strike-slip is documented by differences in the style and deformation in basins overlying South American basement. We interpret deep-penetration 2-D seismic reflection and well data to map tectono-stratigraphic sequences and constrain timing of basin structures. At the Lesser Antilles subduction margin, the ~300 km wide Barbados Accretionary Prism (BAP) is characterized by approximately parallel, forward-breaking thrusts overlain by semi-isolated piggyback basins. The BAP formed above ~5 km thick subducting Atlantic oceanic crust of Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age. In the oblique collisional and strike-slip zone onshore Trinidad, there is a <100 km wide zone of middle Miocene folding and thrusting cut by later strike-slip deformation. This complex fold-and-thrust-belt includes elevated, anticlinal ranges with intervening synclinal basinal areas. The transition from subduction at the eastern margin of the Caribbean plate, to strike-slip displacement along the southern margin of the Caribbean plate occurs over the northwest–southeast-oriented Galera tear fault zone (GTFZ). The GTFZ is a location of incipient lithospheric tearing—with overlying Neogene transtensional basins—aligned with the boundary between South American continental crust which experienced oblique-collision and translation, and orthogonally subducting South American (Atlantic) oceanic crust. Bio: Tricia Alvarez, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited Tricia earned a BSc from the University of the West Indies, and a MS and a PhD both from the University of Texas at Austin. With more than 10 years of experience in the industry, she is Geoscience Lead at Heritage Petroleum Company Limited in Santa Flora, Trinidad and Tobago, where she is responsible for providing geoscience expertise in finding exploration and development opportunities with responsibilities for framing and executing geoscience evaluations; developing exploration and development programs; and maintaining portfolio of ranked prospects and drilling opportunities. She has previously worked as Assistant Professor at The University of Trinidad and Tobago with responsibilities of developing, updating and delivering geoscience curriculum for Petroleum Engineering programs; geoscience research and collaborative studies in Trinidad area basins and petroleum systems; supervising student research and projects. Previously Geologist at BG Trinidad and Tobago Ltd with responsibilities for geologic evaluation including play and prospect analysis, and stratigraphic and depositional systems evaluation within Trinidad and Tobago’s offshore basins. Tricia is a member of AAPG, GSTT, Society for Sedimentary Geology.

Constraints on the Exhumation of the Northern Range, Trinidad Through RSCM

Author(s): Ivano Gennaro (presenter), Xu Chu, University of Toronto; John Weber, Grand Valley State University; Alberto Vitale Brovarone, Università degli studi di Torino and Institut de Minéralogie, des Physique de Matériaux et de Cosmochimie; Jeannette Arkle, Augustana College Organic carbon undergoes a transformation from amorphous carbon to crystalline graphite with increasing metamorphic temperature in the irreversible process of graphitization. Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous material (RSCM) is a geothermometric technique which utilizes the crystallinity of carbonaceous material to determination the peak metamorphic temperature of a sample. In this study, we apply RSCM to the Northern Range of Trinidad, a mountain range composed of Jurassic-Cretaceous passive margin sediments metamorphosed in the Miocene. Previous attempts at characterizing the peak metamorphic conditions of the Northern Range have resolved a presumably continuous metamorphic gradient across the range, the continuity of which has implications on the tectonic evolution of the Northern Range and the southern Caribbean Plate boundary zone. Using RSCM, we determine the gradient to be discrete between the east (~340 °C) and the west (~450 °C), with the Chupara Fault in the central Northern Range accommodating the differential exhumation. By coupling our data with previously published and unpublished thermochronology data, we propose a two-step exhumation path. First, oblique collision between the Caribbean and South American plates caused uplift across the entire Northern Range following peak metamorphism at ~25 Ma. By ~12 Ma, the plate boundary became dominated by strike-slip tectonics, with a subduction transform edge propagator (STEP) fault inducing a wave of uplift and subsidence as it propagated along the boundary. Next, STEP faulting activated the Chupara Fault, which remained active from 12–4 Ma and accounts for the differential uplift seen across the Northern Range. Continued STEP propagation allowed for western subsidence and eastern uplift in modern times. Bio: Ivano Gennaro, University of Toronto Ivano earned a BSc from the University of Toronto, and is currently a MSc candidate at the same university.

Neogene Paleostress And Structural Evolution of Trinidad: Rotation, Strain Partitioning, and Strike-Slip Reactivation of an Obliquely-Colliding Thrust Belt

Author(s): Paul Mann (presenter), J.C. Hippolyte, University of Houston Kinematic analysis of faults in Trinidad reveals three main stages of the tectonic evolution of the southeastern Caribbean–South American plate boundary. During Stage 1, folding and thrusting occurred and are truncated by a Middle Miocene unconformity. This shortening event has been related by previous workers to the initial, oblique collision of the Great Arc of the Caribbean with the passive margin of South America. We propose that Stage 1 Middle Miocene east-northeast-trending compression documented in this study initially had a more northwest–southeast direction and has been rotated in a clockwise direction during this collision. This tectonic stage resulted in clockwise rotation of structures along the southeastern Caribbean plate margin within a broad, right-lateral, strike-slip zone. During Stage 2 in the late Miocene and middle Pliocene, south-southeast-trending shortening uplifted the Central Range, formed prominent north-dipping thrusts that are bounded by oblique ramps such as the LosBajos right-lateral strike-slip fault, and formed piggy-back basins. This north-northwest–south-southeast trend of compression is compatible with coeval right-lateral shear on the El Pilar fault zone in Trinidad. We interpret this pattern of coeval and strike-slip faults of Stage 2 as the result of strain partitioning. In Stage 3 during the late Pliocene–Quaternary, east-southeast-trending compression reactivated previous thrusts as right-lateral, strike-slip faults, such as the Central Range fault. East-southeast-trending compression deactivated previous, east–west-trending, strike-slip faults such as the eastward extension of the El Pilar fault zone into Trinidad. The polyphase tectonic evolution of Trinidad occurs in the regional context of the eastward motion of the Caribbean plate with propagation of the southern Subduction-Transform Edge Propagator (STEP) fault. Bio: Paul Mann, University of Houston Paul earned a BSc from the Oberlin College and a PhD from the State University of New York at Albany, both degrees in Geology. He currently is Professor of Geology at the Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, where he teaches, researches and supervises grad and undergrad students, and service to the EAS Dept. and other groups. He has also operated an oil industry-funded research group since 2005. Paul is a member of AAPG, GSA, AGU, SEG and HGS.

Exploring the Ortoire Syncline, Southern Basin, Trinidad

Author(s): Xavier Moonan (presenter), Connie McLaren, Lynn Anderson, Touchstone Exploration Touchstone Exploration is the operator of the 184 sq km Ortoire Block onshore south eastern Trinidad. Structurally the block covers the open east facing Ortoire Syncline which entails Late Miocene Lower Cruse to Pleistocene Mayaro Fm deltaic fill. These passive fordeep infill deposits sit conformably onto a south easterly verging Early to Middle Miocene fold belt. As such throughout the breadth of the Ortoire Block there are numerous tear fault dissected WSW to ENE trending anticlines. These anticlines were the result of the oblique collision between the northern margin of the South American plate with the leading edge of the Caribbean Plate culminating in the Middle Miocene. Historical exploration within the area by United British Oilfields of Trinidad (UBOT) and Shell, had been focussed on Middle Miocene Herrera amalgamated channelised slope to base of slope deepwater turbidites of the Cipero Formation and Late Miocene Lower Cruse base of slope sheet like turbidite fans. Considered shallow water deposits at the time, the results of many of those wells were considered disappointing or uncommercial. Mapping on various 3D seismic surveys and numerous 2D seismic lines, integrated with surface geology, regional well data and fold and thrust belt models have revealed numerous Middle Miocene Herrera plays within the block. From north to south, Touchstone Exploration has identified an eastern extension of the prolific Penal Barrackpore oilfield in the Cascadura area, a subthrust north verging anticline at Coho, a south easterly verging subthrust anticline at Royston and an eastern extension of the Carapal Ridge north verging subthrust anticline in the Chinook area. Two of these structures, Coho and Cascadura have been successfully explored todate by Touchstone Exploration. At COHO-1 and CAS-1 ST1, extended tests have been completed and commercial discovery notifications have been submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Touchstone has spud its 3rd exploration well, Chinook-1 in August 2020 and will then drill CAS Deep-1 to test further thrust sheets in the Cascadura area. Bio: Xavier Moonan, Touchstone Exploration Xavier Moonan is a Senior Geoscientist at Touchstone Exploration in Trinidad & Tobago. He has an MSc. in Structural Geology with Geophysics at the University of Leeds, UK, and was awarded a ‘Top Ten Presentation’ by AAPG for his poster presentation on the Penal Barrackpore Anticline at AAPG ICE Conference in Milan, 2011. He served as the Convener for the 20th Caribbean Geological Conference Trinidad 2015, as Programme Committee Trinidad Representative for AAPG ICE Cartagena, 2013, and as General Co-Chair for AAPG GTW Trinidad 2014, GTW Guyana 2017 and GTW Suriname 2019. Xavier is Vice President of the AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region. He is a member of the Geological Society of Trinidad & Tobago, the Houston Geological Society and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Effects of Subducting Bathymetric Highs on Variations in the Wedge Taper Angles of the Barbados Accretionary Prism

Southeast Caribbean Research Symposium - Session I: Tectonic Setting Wrap Up

Moderator: Brian W. Horn, Cairn Oil and Gas Participants: James Pindell, Tectonic Analysis Ltd.; Tricia Alvarez, Heritage Petroleum Limited; Ivano Genaro, University of Toronto; Paul Mann, University of Houston; Xavier Moonan, Touchstone Exploration; Bryan Moore, University of Houston Convener Brian W. Horn moderates a discussion with presenters, who answer questions and share final thoughts to conclude Session I, Tectonic Setting, at the Southeast Caribbean & Guiana Basins Virtual Research Symposium. Bios: Convener: Brian W. Horn, Cairn Oil and Gas Brian earned his BA and MSc in Geology from the University of Colorado, and a PhD in Geology and Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. During his 27 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in companies as Amoco, BP, Maersk and ION E&P Advisors. He currently is Senior Geological Advisor at Cairn Oil and Gas in Houston, where he is responsible for technical assurance, reservoir characterization and stratigraphic analysis. Brian is a member of AAPG, Houston Geological Society, PESGB, and Geological Society London. James Pindell, Tectonic Analysis Jim earned a BSc from the Colgate University, a MSc from the State University of New York at Albany, and a PhD from the Durham University UK. With 35 years of experience, he is currently the director at Tectonic Analysis Ltd. In Duncton, West Sussex, U.K., where he is on charge of leading research programs. He previously worked for 10 years interpreting basement structure for ION Geophysical (2010-2020). Jim’s professional memberships includes AAPG, GSA, AGU, GSL, and GCASGS. Tricia Alvarez, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited Tricia earned a BSc from the University of the West Indies, and a MS and a PhD both from the University of Texas at Austin. With more than 10 years of experience in the industry, she is Geoscience Lead at Heritage Petroleum Company Limited in Santa Flora, Trinidad and Tobago, where she is responsible for providing geoscience expertise in finding exploration and development opportunities with responsibilities for framing and executing geoscience evaluations; developing exploration and development programs; and maintaining portfolio of ranked prospects and drilling opportunities. She has previously worked as Assistant Professor at The University of Trinidad and Tobago with responsibilities of developing, updating and delivering geoscience curriculum for Petroleum Engineering programs; geoscience research and collaborative studies in Trinidad area basins and petroleum systems; supervising student research and projects. Previously Geologist at BG Trinidad and Tobago Ltd with responsibilities for geologic evaluation including play and prospect analysis, and stratigraphic and depositional systems evaluation within Trinidad and Tobago’s offshore basins. Tricia is a member of AAPG, GSTT, Society for Sedimentary Geology. Ivano Gennaro, University of Toronto Ivano earned a BSc from the University of Toronto, and is currently a MSc candidate at the same university. Paul Mann, University of Houston Paul earned a BSc from the Oberlin College and a PhD from the State University of New York at Albany, both degrees in Geology. He currently is Professor of Geology at the Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, where he teaches, researches and supervises grad and undergrad students, and service to the EAS Dept. and other groups. He has also operated an oil industry-funded research group since 2005. Paul is a member of AAPG, GSA, AGU, SEG and HGS. Xavier Moonan, Touchstone Exploration Xavier Moonan is a Senior Geoscientist at Touchstone Exploration in Trinidad & Tobago. He has an MSc. in Structural Geology with Geophysics at the University of Leeds, UK, and was awarded a ‘Top Ten Presentation’ by AAPG for his poster presentation on the Penal Barrackpore Anticline at AAPG ICE Conference in Milan, 2011. He served as the Convener for the 20th Caribbean Geological Conference Trinidad 2015, as Programme Committee Trinidad Representative for AAPG ICE Cartagena, 2013, and as General Co-Chair for AAPG GTW Trinidad 2014, GTW Guyana 2017 and GTW Suriname 2019. Xavier is Vice President of the AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region. He is a member of the Geological Society of Trinidad & Tobago, the Houston Geological Society and the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Bryan Moore, University of Houston Bryan is currently is a MSc candidate at the University of Houston. He currently is graduate research assistant, and is a member of AAPG Wildcatters at the same university.

A Virtual Traverse of Onshore Southern Basin, Trinidad Along SBC 2D Seismic Line TD91-177

'Turning to the Right' in the COGS (Columbus-Orinoco-Guyana-Suriname) Basins: Digging into their Gross Architecture, Filling and Hydrocarbon Generation Stories

The Petroleum System of the Guiana Basin, Guyana and Suriname

Source Rock and Petroleum Geochemical Analysis of the Southeastern Caribbean and Guiana Basin

Author(s): Luis Miguel Bernardo, Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas The geochemical analysis of rock and oil samples as an integrated approach for the southeastern Caribbean region and the Guiana Basin permitted the identification of five marine source rocks (SRs) in these highly complex areas. All the identified SRs are marine, but they are clearly distinctive in terms of their redox condition, depositional environment, lithology, age, and organic matter input. The five source rocks identified are: 1) Eocene sequences located in the Barbados Accretionary Prism. These immature sequences are characterized by the presence of TOC values as high as 17.20% with an average of 2.98%. Kerogen is of Type II to Type III. Barbados oils are correlated to similar SR facies. 2) Upper Cretaceous Gutier Naparima Hill Fm. is identified as the marine SR’s that generated most of Trinidad oil. TOC values averaging 2.2%, and kerogen Type II to Type II/III, and is thermally immature to mature. 3) Also, in Trinidad, some oils indicate a marine SR with important terrestrial input (Type III/II), deposited under disoxic conditions, and possible Cenozoic age, as suggested by biomarkers. 4) The Orinoco Delta oil seeps indicate that existence of a marine SR deposited under highly anoxic conditions, characterized by a biogenic-rich lithology, which was apparently deposited at the base of the Cretaceous paleo-slope, in the Guiana Basin; 5) Cenomanian - Santonian sequences of the Canje Fm. deposited along the Guiana Basin and the Demerara Plateau. Lateral and vertical facies changes are typical in this sedimentary succession. The best hydrocarbon generative facies record slope environments with black shales with TOC’s ranging from 2% to 15% of kerogen Type II. Transitional facies within this sequence have fair TOC values between 1.0 and 2.68%, and kerogen Type III/II. Bio: Luis Miguel Bernardo, Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas Luis earned a BS in Chemistry from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and a MSc in Geology from the University of Houston. With over 20 years of experience, he is Petroleum Geochemist Consultant at Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas in Houston. He has previously worked at companies such as Repsol, YPF, Ecopetrol and PDVSA. Luis is a member of AAPG and Alago.

Tectonic, Sedimentation and Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Great Guyana-Suriname Offshore Basin: The Albian to Coniacian Play

Author(s): Peter Bartok, Bartok Inc. (presenter); Simon Oropeza, Independent Consultant; Charles Campbell, Accel Services Inc. Precambrian Greenstone belt underlies a portion of the Guyana-Suriname Offshore Basin (GSOB) followed by Lower Paleozoic sediments deposited in a back arc setting and folded during the Caledonian and the Alleghenian orogenies. Gravity/magnetics aided in delineating the major tectonic features in the region. The Early Jurassic separation of the Florida Block and South America resulted in normal to attenuated crust followed by oceanic crust. The Atlantic rifting resulted in peri-cratonic rifts extending into central GSOB. New concepts on the tectonics of the region provide the basis for structural analysis of the basin and aided by seismic sequence stratigraphy. Of particular significance is the relationship between the Guyana Shelf, associated with the Waini “Arch” and the Demerara Platform. The transition between the two is being called the “Demerara Trough”. Santonian to Campanian canyons associated with faults/fractures, and linked to major rivers acted as conduits for high quality sand-rich slope and basin floor fans described on paleogeographic maps. The Albian facies of Northern South America are deltaic systems restricted to the platform interior (Stabroek) and carbonates (Potoco) with anoxic conditions. The Cenomanian/Coniacian organic-rich Canje Formation is the main source rock. The Cenomanian/Turonian kitchen was evaluated in detail based on available information, new estimates of thermal conditions and description of overpressure in the region. The revised kitchen and geochemical parameters provide for an estimate of basin’s resource potential. Bio: Peter Bartok, Bartok Inc., Petroskills, University of Houston Peter earned a MSc from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and with 48 years of experience he has published over 25 papers. His past experience includes Texaco (5 years), PDVSA (10 years), BP (10 years) and 23 years as a consultant. Along with working as a consultant at Bartok Inc. and Petroskills, he currently is Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, where he teaches petroleum geology/geophysics and shale resource assessment. Peter is a member of AAPG, SEG and HGS.

Structure, Stratigraphy, and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Easternmost Part of the Eastern Venezuela Basin

Author(s): Karilys Castillo (presenter), Paul Mann, University of Houston The Eastern Venezuelan foreland basin (EVB) has been filling from the southwest by the Orinoco River since the late Miocene–early Pliocene. The easternmost part of the Eastern Venezuelan Basin (EEVB) became overfilled by clastic sedimentation since the Pliocene. The EEVB now consists of a 10 km thick delta system formed by the Orinoco River, which has spilled over the shelf edge onto the Atlantic margin of northeastern Venezuela. The Eastern Venezuelan foreland basin is the second largest hydrocarbon-producing basin in Venezuela with proven reserves of 36 billion barrels. To improve our understanding of the paleogeography and hydrocarbon potential of the EEVB, 620 km2 of 3-D seismic, 4000 km of 2-D seismic, and six wells with well logs were interpreted from the Punta Pescador area of the EEVB. We integrate the results from this study with the results of previous workers from the adjacent Orinoco Delta. Based on the integration of these data, the following sequence of Cenozoic events affecting the study area are proposed: (1) passive margin setting since the Cretaceous to Paleogene; (2) oblique collision of the Caribbean plate causing an underfilled, foreland basin stage that initiated during the late Oligocene; (3) during the Oligocene and early Miocene, south–north-flowing fluvial systems and associated deltas prograded northward and filled the foreland-basin-related depocenter; (4) late Miocene eustatic sea level lowering produced a major erosional surface and submarine canyons that allowed sediments to suddenly prograde eastward; and (5) early Pliocene to Holocene overfilling of the EEVB with eastward progradation of the Orinoco Delta into the Atlantic Ocean. Using the new information presented in this paper, several hydrocarbon prospects were identified within the clastic Miocene–Pliocene–Pleistocene sequence. Bio: Karilys del Carmen Castillo Flores, Occidental Petroleum, University of Houston Karilys is a Geological Engineer from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, and earned a MSc in Geology from the University of Houston. With 12 years of experience in the industry, she currently is Geophysicist at Occidental Petroleum at Houston, where she is responsible for international exploration geophysics. Her previous experience includes positions as Production Geologist and Seismic interpreter, Integrated Reservoir Studies, PDVSA (2005-2012); Geoscientist Intern ConocoPhillips (2013) and Anadarko Petroleum (2014); Research Assistant – CBTH at University of Houston (2012 – 2014); Geophysicist - International Exploration Colombia, Anadarko Petroleum (2014-2018); Geophysicist, Advanced Analytics and Emerging Technologies Team, Anadarko Petroleum (2018 – 2019); Geophysicist International Exploration Occidental Petroleum (2019 - Current). Karilys is a member of AAPG and SEG.

Potential for Hydrocarbons in Older Reservoirs in Southern Trinidad

Author(s): Krishna Persad, Krishna Persad and Associates Limited Numerous studies since 1979 (by Persad, Talukdar, Dow, Gibson, Rodriguez and others), have established a wealth of knowledge about the source of virtually all of the oil, condensate and thermogenic gas found to date in Trinidad, namely: The source is the upper Cretaceous Naparima Argillites and Gautier In southern Trinidad the source, is oil prone and is in the oil window It is present throughout and thickens to the east to over 3,000 feet. Maturation occurred during the Oligo-Miocene during the oblique collision of the South-East Caribbean with Northern South America when the source was pushed sequentially in ENE trending source kitchens. Initial migration of whole oils occurred into interbedded Upper Cretaceous submarine fans and along faults into Olig0-Miocene reservoirs Nariva, Retrench and Herrera sands. As the Caribbean Plate advanced wrench faulting during the Pleistocene caused breaching to the entrapped oil into shallower mainly Pliocene reservoirs by a process called Evaporative Fractionation. This process leads to re-migration of lighter (mainly aromatic) liquids and thermogenic gas into shallower reservoirs in a progressive manner with gas migrating the furthest and intermediate reservoirs being charged with gas and condensate and deeper light oils. Residual oils which are heavy to very heavy and often waxy are left behind in the original reservoirs. Fractionation can be recognised from the character of the HRGC and from the position the liquid plots on a “Thompson Diagram”. There has been a paucity of discoveries of hydrocarbons in portions of eastern and generally in far western onshore Trinidad. Many shallow wells in both areas have found little or no hydrocarbons in both areas. At the same time there has been no indication of massive oil seeps indicating breached reservoirs with loss of much of any entrapped oil and gas. This implies that the hydrocarbons are trapped in deeper reservoirs i.e. Cretaceous and Oligo-Miocene. Exploration drilling in both portions of the basin, more recently by Touchstone in Ortoire and by Bahamas Petroleum (formerly Columbus Energy) and previously Trinidad Exploration and Development in the South West Peninsula (SWP) and by Texaco in the near-shore SWP and geochemical work on analyses of oils in both areas and ejecta from mud volcanoes in the SWP have confirmed the potential for accumulations of oil, gas condensate and as in the Ortoire area and in the SWP This presentation the geochemistry, the discoveries to date and makes some predictions about future potential for hydrocarbons in deeper reservoirs in both areas. Bio: Krishna Persad, Renaissance Energy Limited Krishna earned a BSc (Special Honours) and a PhD both in Geology from the University of the West Indies. In his 50 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in State oil companies and Private Oil Companies from 1970 to 1987. Since then have been an Independent Oil Producer. Currently, he is Technical Consultant and Co-CEO at Renaissance Energy Limited in Barrackpore Trinidad, where is responsible for providing geological and technical advice regarding new drills and production operations and advising and supporting the CEO. Krishna is Honorary Member of the Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Previously active member AAPG and member SPE.

Southeast Caribbean Research Symposium Session II: Basin Analysis Wrap-up

Moderator: Benjamin Kirkland, CNOOC International Participants: William Dickson, DIGs; Andrew Pepper, This !s Petroleum Systems LLC; Luis Miguel Bernardo, Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas; Peter Bartok, Bartok Inc.; Karilys Castillo, University of Houston; Krishna Persad, Krishna Persad and Associates Limited Convener Benjamin Kirkland moderates a discussion with presenters, who answer questions and share final thoughts to conclude Session II, Basin Analysis, at the Southeast Caribbean and Guiana Basins Virtual Research Symposium. Bios: Convener: Benjamin Kirkland Benjamin earned a BS from the University of Kentucky and a MSc from the University of New Orleans, both degrees in Geology. With 8 years of experience in the industry, Ben is Geologist-Basin Modeling at CNOOC International at Houston, where he is specialist in basin modeling and brings geochemistry support for global exploration. He has previously worked in companies as Nexen Energy and Fieldwood Energy. His professional affiliations include AAPG and HGS. William Dickson, DIGs (Dickson Int'l Geosciences) William earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba. He has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, working at majors and independents and, since 1998, at DIGs in Houston. He has worked frontier and producing basins around the Atlantic margins, EAME region, SE Asia & Canadian arctic and coordinated projects with subject matter experts across multiple disciplines. Peer-reviewed publications are primarily on petroleum systems analysis of Atlantic margin basins. Currently, as owner and VP Technology at DIGs, he is in charge of R&D, project coordination and fulfillment. William is member AAPG, EAGE, SEG, SPE and local societies in Houston, England, SE Asia & Australia. Andrew Pepper, This is Petroleum Systems LLC This year Andy Pepper is celebrating 39 years of experience as a geologist and petroleum systems analyst: at BP as leader of the Petroleum Systems Network; at Hess as Chief Geologist and then Director of New Ventures; and at BHP as VP Geoscience and VP Unconventional Exploration. He founded This is Petroleum Systems LLC in 2015 as a vehicle to collaborate and innovate in Petroleum Systems concepts, modeling and training. Luis Miguel Bernardo, Repsol Luis earned a BS in Chemistry from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and a MSc in Geology from the University of Houston. With over 20 years of experience, he is Petroleum Geochemist Consultant at Petroleum Exploration Consultants Americas in Houston. He has previously worked at companies such as Repsol, YPF, Ecopetrol and PDVSA. Luis is a member of AAPG and Alago. Peter Bartok, Bartok Inc., Petroskills, University of Houston Peter earned a MSc from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and with 48 years of experience he has published over 25 papers. His past experience includes Texaco (5 years), PDVSA (10 years), BP (10 years) and 23 years as a consultant. Along with working as a consultant at Bartok Inc. and Petroskills, he currently is Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, where he teaches petroleum geology/geophysics and shale resource assessment. Peter is a member of AAPG, SEG and HGS. Karilys del Carmen Castillo Flores, Occidental Petroleum, University of Houston Karilys is a Geological Engineer from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, and earned a MSc in Geology from the University of Houston. With 12 years of experience in the industry, she currently is Geophysicist at Occidental Petroleum at Houston, where she is responsible for international exploration geophysics. Her previous experience includes positions as Production Geologist and Seismic interpreter, Integrated Reservoir Studies, PDVSA (2005-2012); Geoscientist Intern ConocoPhillips (2013) and Anadarko Petroleum (2014); Research Assistant – CBTH at University of Houston (2012 – 2014); Geophysicist - International Exploration Colombia, Anadarko Petroleum (2014-2018); Geophysicist, Advanced Analytics and Emerging Technologies Team, Anadarko Petroleum (2018 – 2019); Geophysicist International Exploration Occidental Petroleum (2019 – Current). Karilys is a member of AAPG and SEG. Krishna Persad, Renaissance Energy Limited Krishna earned a BSc (Special Honours) and a PhD both in Geology from the University of the West Indies. In his 50 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in State oil companies and Private Oil Companies from 1970 to 1987. Since then have been an Independent Oil Producer. Currently, he is Technical Consultant and Co-CEO at Renaissance Energy Limited in Barrackpore Trinidad, where is responsible for providing geological and technical advice regarding new drills and production operations and advising and supporting the CEO. Krishna is Honorary Member of the Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago. Previously active member AAPG and member SPE.

Crustal Structure of the Ranger Discovery Based on the Integration of High-Resolution Seismic with 2-1/2 & 3-Dimensional Gravity and Magnetic Modelling

Using a Regional Gravity Model to Define the Crustal Setting of Recent, Giant Oil Discoveries in Guyana And Suriname

Author(s): Mei Liu (presenter), Paul Mann, University of Houston We use regional gravity and magnetic maps to better define the crustal types and crustal structures of the area of recent, giant oil discoveries in Guyana and Suriname. The main crustal provinces include: 1) Precambrian craton of northeastern America that is 30 to 45 km thick and includes a prominent, near-right-angle in the area of the Orinoco delta; 2) a 134-km-wide area of thinned, continental crust that is characterized by two, parallel rift zones of inferred Triassic-Jurassic age which can be followed as semi-continuous features from the southern edge of the Orinoco delta to northernmost Brazil; we call these the Outer and Inner rifts; the more seaward, Outer rift is bounded to the northeast by a narrow high that also marks the continent-ocean boundary: recent giant oil discoveries occur in a passive margin sag above the Inner rift; 3) the Guyana basin is underlain by 6-9 km thick oceanic crust that exhibits faint, northeast-trending fracture zone trends and is buried by 8-10 km of sedimentary rocks; previous workers have inferred that this crust is late Jurassic in age based on its depth relations and opened in a NW-SE direction; and 4) the western Demerara is overlain by a ~10-km thick section of volcanic flows of inferred Jurassic age; these folds were folded during the Aptian opening of the Equatorial Atlantic. A sweet spot for giant discoveries is found on the southeastern end of the Inner rift that changes its strike and closes near the Suriname border. This feature also is seen to deepen in northwestern Guyana. We have also used the gravity map to map several basement arch in northern Guyana. None are obviously related to the peripheral bulge of the Eastern Venezuelan foreland basin which appears to terminate in the onland area to the west. Bio: Mei Liu, University of Houston Mei has her PhD in progress at the University of Houston. She currently is graduate research assistant, and is a member of AAPG, AGU, Houston geological society, Geophysical society of Houston and SPE.

Evolving Understanding of The Suriname-Guyana Basin

Guyana Suriname Basin: Exploration Past, Brilliant Present and Promising Future of a New World Class Basin

Author(s): Max A. Torres (presenter), Plata Energy The Jurassic rift related Guyana Suriname basin long journey to become a world class producer started with the discovery of organic rich Aptian Albian / Cenomanian Turonian dark shales with up to 30% TOC content at the DSDP 143/144 site near the Demarara High, hinting the existence of new large oil prone deep water basin. During 1960s and 70s shallow water drilling by Shell, Conoco, Exxon and others targeting reef buildups, listric rotated fault blocks and subtle basement closures produced in excess of a dozen dry holes. First oil to surface was 1975 Shell’s Abary 1 well In Guyana in shelf edge Maastrichtian sands that proved the existence of liquid hydrocarbons in the basin. Since then, several plays were investigated by large independents and majors, with massive success in Exxon’s Starbroek Block (Guyana) and in Apache’s Block 58 (Suriname) Campanian Cenomanian slope and basin floor fans. The stratigraphic architecture of the successful traps also included canyon heads and slope canyons related to a large Cenomanian (90 ma) incision known as the Berbice Canyon in Guyana. Although the outstanding and undisputed success of the Campanian Cenomanian lowstands reservoirs, the future exploration and new potential of the basin may be related to different plays that include an Albian Aptian rotated fault block play on the flank of the Demarara High analog to discoveries such as Skrugard field (250 MBO) in the Barents Sea of Norway or the Baobab field (200 MBO) in the Ivory Coast, incised valley sands in deltaic progradational units within the Berbice Canyon analog to the Tocito sandstone fields in the San Juan basin of the USA or a large Aptian reef buildup. With access to a prolific proven source rock and reservoir quality sands, the basin will most likely deliver additional success to creative explorers. Bio: Max Antonio Torres, Plata Energy Max is a Geologist from the Universidad de Tucuman, Argentina, and earned a MSc from Georgia State University. His 35 years of experience in the industry includes positions as VP Exploration at Ecopetrol (2018 -2014) and Exploration Director at Repsol (2014 -2000). He currently is Managing Partner at Plata Energy in Houston. Max is AAPG member since 1987.

Petroleum System Assessment of Trinidad Tobago, Barbados and Suriname Area based on Crude Oil, Gas and Piston Core Data

Author(s): Craig Schiefelbein (presenter), James Brooks, David Stansbury, Zvi Sofer, Adolpho Requejo, Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. An integrated geochemical study of Petroleum Systems active in the Southeast Caribbean area has been conducted. The study is based on the analysis of >400 crude oils and condensates from major fields in order to evaluate: (1) source facies, (2) thermal maturity, and (3) degree of alteration (biodegradation; migration/fractionation; mixing). Several seafloor oil seeps recovered in piston cores at various deep-water sites were also analyzed and, in some instances, correlated to known production on the shelf. Samples included in this study are from onshore and offshore (Columbus Basin) Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, and Suriname. Crude oil samples were characterized through the use of a detailed analytical program including gas chromatography, stable carbon isotopes, and quantitative biomarker analysis of saturate and aromatic fractions by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A regional framework was established by determining the number of distinct oil families. Source inferences with regard to age and paleoenvironment were made and source to oil correlations were established through comparison with source rock information mainly available from the literature. Oil chemistries were also used to identify complex processes determining oil quality which include, source facies variations, relative maturity, biodegradation, water washing, evaporative fractionation, gas stripping and remigration, and mixing of hydrocarbons. Detailed understanding of all these processes has important implications for exploration activity in the region. Analysis of >100 gas samples from major producing fields indicates variable mixtures of thermogenic and biogenic origin in the Columbus Basin. A mixing model based on gas hydrocarbon and isotopic compositions is used to identify areas of mixing. Bio: Craig Schiefelbein, Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. Craig holds BS and MS degrees both from the University of Tulsa. He has 45 years of experience in the industry as Petroleum Geochemist. He currently is Director of Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. in Houston, and is a member of AAPG, HGS, PESGB, EAOG and ALAGO.

New Seismic Fitness Attribute: Unbiased AI/ML Derived Paleo Geomorphology/Facies

Author(s): Anthony Aming (presenter), Seisnetics; Ibraheem Ali; PetroCom Technologies This paper presents how Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) technology uses unsupervised genetics algorithms to drive the new seismic attribute “Fitness” and how it is used to interpret paleo geomorphology/facies. 3D Seismic and the Human Genome Each waveform within a seismic volume is characterised by a unique suite of attributes (i.e. location, amplitude, neighbour trace shape, etc.). Similarly, DNA is comprised of a unique arrangement of base pairs. During the Human Genome Project, significant advances were made in the field of sequence analysis. Here we show how these advances can be leveraged to enhance the interpretation of 3D seismic data. Genetic Processing Algorithms Using Seisnetics® patented genetic processing algorithm to automatically segment seismic trace data into populations of related waveforms, artificial intelligence populations (known as ‘GeoPopulations’) are ‘grown’ by the software from random and disordered seed points, eliminating any bias that might be introduced by user defined seed points. The resultant GeoPopulations (which represent a group of genetically and spatially related waveforms), appear similar to a ‘user-propagated surface’, but critically are based on waveform characteristics rather than amplitude-based propagation used in the majority of E&P software packages, and are imbedded with seismic attributes. Bio: Anthony Aming, Seisnetics Anthony earned a BS with honors in Geophysics from the University of Manitoba. With 40 years of experience in the industry, he has worked with Amoco Production Company in exploration and exploitation for Oil & Gas in projects in Canada, USA, United Arab Emirates and Oman; has also worked for the Trinidad and Tobago Oil Company (TRINTOC), Amoco Trinidad Oil Company and Western Geophysical. Using his Enterprise Architecture (Business Domain) at Baker Hughes, a GE Company, he has led several successful global projects and initiatives in digital transformation, remote operations, information technology, finance, technology and operations. He currently is a seasoned full stream digital transformation expert sharing his knowledge and expertise throughout the Oil & Gas industry globally; Director Americas Business Development, Marketing & Support at Seisnetics, working with NOC’s, IOC’s, MOC’s and OFS’s to digitally transform processes to reduce risk and uncertainty resulting in improved capital efficiency and profitability. Anthony is a member of SEG and a past member of AAPG, SPE, EAEG and PIDX.

Southeast Caribbean Research Symposium Session III: Geophysical Interpretation and Play Assessment Wrap-Up

Moderator: Stanley Wharton, Subsurface Imaging Participants: Mark Longacre, MBL, Inc; Mei Liu, University of Houston; Max A. Torres, Plata Energy; Craig Schiefelbein, Geochemical Solutions International, Inc; Anthony Aming, Seisnetics Convener Stanley Wharton moderates a discussion with presenters, who answer questions and share final thoughts to conclude Session III, Geophysical Interpretation and Play Assessment, at the Southeast Caribbean and Guiana Basins Virtual Research Symposium. Bios: Convener: Stanley Wharton, Subsurface Imaging Company Stanley holds a MSc and has more than 33 years of experience in the industry. He currently is President and Principal Consultant at Subsurface Imaging Company. Stanley is a member of AAPG, EAGE and SEG. Mark Longacre, MBL Mark earned a BS in Geology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a MSc in Geophysics from Purdue University. With 39 years of experience in the industry, he is President of MBL, Inc., in Denver, Colorado, where he is responsible for detailed Interpretation integrating gravity and magnetics with other geological and geophysical data. Mark is a member of AAPG, SEG, EAGE, AGU, PESGB, and Fellow at the Geological Society of London. Mei Liu, University of Houston Mei has her PhD in progress at the University of Houston. She currently is graduate research assistant, and is a member of AAPG, AGU, Houston geological society, Geophysical society of Houston and SPE. Max Antonio Torres, Plata Energy Max is a Geologist from the Universidad de Tucuman, Argentina, and earned a MSc from Georgia State University. His 35 years of experience in the industry includes positions as VP Exploration at Ecopetrol (2018 -2014) and Exploration Director at Repsol (2014 -2000). He currently is Managing Partner at Plata Energy in Houston. Max is AAPG member since 1987. Craig Schiefelbein, Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. Craig holds BS and MS degrees both from the University of Tulsa. He has 45 years of experience in the industry as Petroleum Geochemist. He currently is Director of Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. in Houston, and is a member of AAPG, HGS, PESGB, EAOG and ALAGO. Anthony Aming, Seisnetics Anthony earned a BS with honors in Geophysics from the University of Manitoba. With 40 years of experience in the industry, he has worked with Amoco Production Company in exploration and exploitation for Oil & Gas in projects in Canada, USA, United Arab Emirates and Oman; has also worked for the Trinidad and Tobago Oil Company (TRINTOC), Amoco Trinidad Oil Company and Western Geophysical. Using his Enterprise Architecture (Business Domain) at Baker Hughes, a GE Company, he has led several successful global projects and initiatives in digital transformation, remote operations, information technology, finance, technology and operations. He currently is a seasoned full stream digital transformation expert sharing his knowledge and expertise throughout the Oil & Gas industry globally; Director Americas Business Development, Marketing & Support at Seisnetics, working with NOC’s, IOC’s, MOC’s and OFS’s to digitally transform processes to reduce risk and uncertainty resulting in improved capital efficiency and profitability. Anthony is a member of SEG and a past member of AAPG, SPE, EAEG and PIDX.

The Public Private Partnership of the Future… Today! Sustainability in Harmony and Balance with the Planet

Moderator: Susan Morrice, Co-Founder and Chair, BNE Ltd Panelists: Marlowe Neal, CEO, BNE Ltd; Albert Garcia, Chair, BNE Trust; Sharon Roberts, Director of Special Projects In the current climate, energy companies are accountable to shareholders, investors and government leaders for how their actions affect the people and environment in countries where they operate. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations and Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) criteria are key components of risk analysis and are crucial to securing investment and attracting top quality personnel. Just how can companies make ESG and SRI a part of their practice and not only survive but thrive in a new global economy? Find out in a panel discussion with executives from Belize Natural Energy (BNE), an award-winning company whose holistic business model transformed a country and set the standard for sustainable development. Belize Natural Energy Ltd was born from the vision to make a sustainable and empowering difference in Belize. In addition to discover first oil, BNE has been the number one revenue generator in the country for more than 10 years. The company forged a unique partnership based on the New Holistic Business Model with the United Arab Emirates and has received the Green Award, Employees of the Year Award and the Global GetEnergy Educational Award for bringing the Sustainable Educational Model to the people of Belize. During this special session, BNE executives will share the steps they have taken over the past 15 years to develop a model company that is drawing global attention. Bios: Moderator: Susan Morrice, Belize Natural Energy Susan earned a Degree in Natural Sciences from Trinity College Dublin, specializing in Geology. She is currently the Co-Founder and Chairperson of Belize Natural Energy. Her company has the Educo Holistic Business Model at its core. Against all the odds, this Model was the vital difference that enabled Susan (and her late business partner Mike Usher) to find the first oil in Belize in 2005. BNE won the Global GetEnergy Award for empowering the people of Belize (beating 43 other countries), has consistently been the number 1 revenue generator in Belize and has inspired world leaders, resulting in a major trade treaty being signed with the United Arab Emirates. Susan was awarded the Norman Foster Outstanding Explorer Award and the Presidential Award for Exemplary Service by the AAPG in recognition for her work in geoscience. Marlowe Neal, CEO, BNE Ltd. Albert Garcia, Chair, BNE Trust Sharon Roberts, Director of Special Projects for Susan Morrice Sharon has over 30 years’ event management and project management experience, working across several industries, including the motor, finance and oil & gas sectors. She has always had a fascination as to how corporate culture impacts productivity, innovation and fulfillment. It was not until attending the Educo Educational Seminar (at the heart of Susan Morrice’s company Belize Natural Energy) that Sharon came across the answer to having the ultimate corporate culture founded on ensuring employees and associates utilize their latent potential to bring about exceptional results in sustainable and holistic ways. It is her passion to share this through her work as Director of Special Projects.

Risk Analysis of Deep Water Stratigraphic Traps

Guyana-Suriname Deep Water Hydrocarbon System, Three Rivers and Two Source Rocks

Author(s): Ken Nibbelink (presenter), Dick Boyce, Mosab Nasser and John Boyce, JHI Associates, Inc (BVI) The Guyana/Suriname Basin deep water hydrocarbon system can be summarized by the interaction between three river systems, Aptian Demerara, Upper Cretaceous Berbice and Miocene/Pliocene Amazon and two source rocks, Lower Albian 108 ma, Oceanic Anoxic Event, OAE-1 and the Cenomanian/Turonian 90 ma, OAE-2. The basin is located at the southern end of the North Atlantic rift where thick Lower Cretaceous/Jurassic carbonate platforms rim the deep water Jurassic oceanic crust and the massive Aptian, Demerara river system flowed northwest into Suriname between Africa and South America. The OAE-1 source was deposited in deep water between the Demerara deltaic system and the carbonate platform rim. The Berbice river during the Upper Cretaceous was draining the entire northern part of South America and formed a 1000m deep canyon across the shelf that delivered over 1 second of sediment to the deep water, including the second cycle Campanian/Maastrichtian reservoirs from a Pre-Cambrian Quartzite provenance. The Berbice overburden matured the OAE-1 source rock at 60 ma. The OAE-2 source, known locally as the Canje Shale was subsequently deposited across the entire deep water portion of the Guyana/Suriname Basin. The Berbice drainage system is captured during the Lower Tertiary and reorganized into a series of smaller river systems where sediment is stored in the fluvial, near shore and shelf environments, so the deep water basin receives very little sediment. The Berbice overburden allows the OAE-1 source to start generating oil, then the very low sedimentation rate allows continuous oil generation from the OAE-1 source for 40 million years when the Campanian/Maastrichtian reservoirs are below the oil biodegradation risk and above the reservoir cementation risk. The Amazon River sediment is sweep northwest by shelf currents into the Guyana/Suriname Basin demonstrated by Devonian palynological evidence present in Miocene/Pliocene sediments in wells from both Foz de Amazonas and Guyana, Mapes + Torres. This recent overburden matures the OAE-2 source in the deeper parts of the Guyana/Suriname Basin, around 6 ma. The hydrocarbon system is driven by four key elements, the Aptian, Demerara and Lower Cretaceous/Jurassic carbonate platform defining the location of the Lower Albian, OAE-1 source, the Upper Cretaceous, Berbice Campanian/Maastrichtian reservoirs and overburden to mature the OAE-1 source. Then the Lower Tertiary capture of the Berbice and low sedimentation rate in deep water, which allowed 40 million years of oil generation and migration from the OAE-1 source and preserved excellent reservoir quality for effective DHI’s AVO, flat events and down dip conformance. Finally, the Miocene/Pliocene, Amazon system provides the overburden to mature the Cenomanian/Turonian, OAE-2 source and put the Campanian/Maastrichtian reservoirs in water depths that current technology can economically develop. Bio: Ken Nibbelink, JHI Associates Ken earned his BA degree in Geology from the Western State College of Colorado, a MS in Geology from Colorado State University, and a MS in Finance from the University of Houston. In his 40 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in companies as Union Pacific, Amoco, Devon, Hyperdynamics and JHI Associates (BVI), where he currently is VP Exploration in Steamboats Springs, Colorado, responsible for exploration Canje Block, Guyana. Ken is a member of AAPG, HGS, RMAG and PESGB.

Revisiting Mass-Transport Complexes and Associated Process in the Offshore area of Trinidad and Venezuela after 14 years of Publishing! What’s New and Relevant for the New Boom in the Region?

Stratigraphic and Radiometric Evidence for the Oligocene Emergence of the Southern Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc Between the Grenada and Tobago Basins

Author(s): Jacob Miller (presenter), Paul Mann, The University of Houston Using a single, 645-km long, deep-penetration seismic and OBS-refraction line, Aitken et al. (2011) proposed that the southern segment of the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc migrated 220 km to the east to its present location in the southern Lesser Antilles from its late Cretaceous location along the Aves Ridge. We use a grid of 9,320-km 2D industry seismic data, satellite gravity data, and a compilation of radiometric ages to better define the Oligocene emergence of the southern Lesser Antilles volcanic arc (LAVA) into a broad, forearc basin setting. The study area spans a 400-km-wide transect across the Lesser Antilles subduction system that includes from east to west: Tobago forearc basin (TFB), LAVA; Grenada back-arc basin (GBAB); and Aves remnant arc (ARA). To test the Aitken et al. hypothesis, we: 1) improved seismic stratigraphic correlations of the three major sequences filling the 12-km-thick TFB and 14-km-thick GBAB that flank the LAVA; 2) mapped tilted late Eocene and older sedimentary units adjacent to both sides of the LAVA that are onlapped by Oligocene to recent sections that include mass transport complexes. These stratigraphic results for Oligocene emplacement of the southern Lesser Antilles arc are consistent with: 1) radiometric age dates on the oldest volcanic units in the southern Lesser Antilles (37-25 Ma); and 2) emplacement of Middle Eocene forearc-related, oceanic crust along with the intruding volcanic arc (Speed and Walker 1993). Stratigraphic control of the GBAB and TB were improved by direct ties to Venezuelan offshore wells and include: Sequence 1: chaotic to semi-continuous and wedge-shaped reflectors of Middle Eocene to Late Eocene age that were deposited prior to arc emergence; Sequence 2: continuous reflectors of Oligocene to middle Miocene age that onlap sequence 1 in the GBAB and TB and post-date arc emergence; and Sequence 3: Late Miocene to Recent chaotic to semi-continuous reflectors in the Grenada basin and semi-continuous in the Tobago basin that reflect the presence of the Lesser Antilles arc separating the two basins.

Unravelling the Influence of Tectonics on Sediment Distribution and the Changing Clinoform Geometry of the Orinoco River Delta’s Late Miocene deposits, the Cruse Formation, Trinidad

Author(s): Ariana Osman (presenter), Ryan Ramsook, The University of the West Indies; Ron J. Steel, Cornel Olariu, The University of Texas at Austin; Si Chen; China University of Geosciences The continuous eastward migration of the Caribbean plate altered paleo-drainage directions since the middle Eocene, diverting the once north flowing mighty Orinoco to its current west-east trajectory across eastern Venezuela and Trinidad. In the late Miocene, the Cruse Formation marks the arrival of the delta on Trinidad, depositing a clastic wedge of >2500 ft which accreted eastwards by shallow to deepwater clinoform increments driven mainly by a huge sediment flux and glacio-eustatic climate cycles (ca. 100 ky), but modulated by Caribbean tectonics. In this study, 58 well logs and outcrop data were integrated to construct a 3D picture for 15 continental-margin clinoforms (C10-C24) to unravel the impact of tectonics on the sedimentation trends observed for the Cruse. The clinoforms have an average height of 550 m, continental slope of 2.5˚ tapering to 1˚, and a distance from shelf-edge to near-base of slope of >10 km, and can be grouped into three developmental phases: 1) C10-C13 have a flat shelf-edge trajectory, suggesting a high supply of sediment during periods of repeated icehouse rise and fall of eustatic sea-level, with fall outpacing subsidence rates. These topset sands are interpreted to have a strong fluvial regime that may have been influenced by the development of NE-SW directed growing thrusts, creating an embayed paleo-Columbus Channel area protected from strong wave energy; 2) C14-20 has an aggradational pattern with a rising shelf-edge trajectory, possibly resulting from increased tectonic induced subsidence as the Caribbean plate migrated eastwards post the culmination of collision in the Middle Miocene; 3) C21-24 show strong margin progradation, similar to C10-13, but, their topsets have a much stronger wave influence as the delta prograded past the subtle thrusts. Bio: Ariana Osman, The University of the West Indies Ariana earned a BSc from Western, Canada and a MSc from the University of Texas at Austin. With 3 years of experience in the industry, she currently is PhD student at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, where she researches and teaches courses in Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Petroleum Geology. Previously, she has worked at BP Trinidad and Tobago, and Leibniz University Hannover. Ariana is a member of AAPG, SEPM, IAS and GSA.

Using Rock-Based Sedimentology & Petrography to Distinguish and Predict Problematic Non-Reservoir Facies, Offshore Suriname-Guyana

Southeast Caribbean Research Symposium Panel Discussion: Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

Moderator: John B. Wagner, Pluspetrol Participants: Ken Nibbelink, JHI Associates; Jacob Miller, University of Houston; Ariana Osman, The University of the West Indies Convener John B. Wagner moderates a discussion with presenters, who answer questions and share final thoughts to conclude Session IV, Stratigraphy and Sedimentology, at the Southeast Caribbean and Guiana Basins Virtual Research Symposium. Bios: Convener: John Wagner, Pluspetrol Dr. Wagner began his petroleum career as a scientist on board the 1985 USGS/IOS GLORIA survey of the deep-water Mississippi Fan, Gulf of Mexico which was a significant expedition in regards to our understanding of deep-water submarine fan systems. He then joined Mobil Research & Development in 1987, where his areas of investigation included the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, Sakhalin Island, Russia, offshore West Africa, North Sea, offshore Vietnam and South America. John was appointed Chief Geologist for Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. in 2002, with involvement in worldwide projects from exploration through development. In 2012, Dr. Wagner became a founding member of the Technical Management Team for Venari Resources where he served as Chief Geologist and directed their exploration success within the ultra-deep-water Paleogene of the Gulf of Mexico. Concurrent with his Technical management roles, John served as Professor of geology for 14 years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. In November of 2018, John joined Pluspetrol as Global Exploration Manager for ongoing exploration and appraisal within unconventional, conventional and deep-water assets worldwide. Ken Nibbelink, JHI Associates Ken earned his BA degree in Geology from the Western State College of Colorado, a MS in Geology from Colorado State University, and a MS in Finance from the University of Houston. In his 40 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in companies as Union Pacific, Amoco, Devon, Hyperdynamics and JHI Associates (BVI), where he currently is VP Exploration in Steamboats Springs, Colorado, responsible for exploration Canje Block, Guyana. Ken is a member of AAPG, HGS, RMAG and PESGB. Jacob Miller, University of Houston Ariana Osman, The University of the West Indies Ariana earned a BSc from Western, Canada and a MSc from the University of Texas at Austin. With 3 years of experience in the industry, she currently is PhD student at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, where she researches and teaches courses in Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Petroleum Geology. Previously, she has worked at BP Trinidad and Tobago, and Leibniz University Hannover. Ariana is a member of AAPG, SEPM, IAS and GSA.

Industry Panel: Current Activity and Exploration Potential in Southeastern Caribbean and Guiana Basins

Moderator: Javed Razack, Ramps Logistics Panelists: Neil Evans, BHP; Katy Henderson-Moses, BP Trinidad & Tobago; James Shipka, Touchstone Exploration; Ryan Ramsook, University of the West Indies; Randy Hiscock, Bahamas Petroleum; Brian Glover, Staatsolie; Ken Nibbelink, JHI Americas; Kevin Ramnarine, Guyana Local Content Committee Industry experts from across Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela debate about current activity and exploration potential in Southeastern Caribbean and Guiana Basins. The panel took place on 18 September 2020, as a part of the Southeast Caribbean and Guiana Basins Virtual Research Symposium. Bios: Moderator: Javed Razack, Ramps Logistics Javed earned a BSc in Petroleum Geoscience from the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, and a MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management from the University of Aberdeen. In his 10 years of experience in the industry, he has worked at the Ministry of Energy, Trinidad (was a Geophysicist with the Contract Management Department and worked on over a dozen onshore and offshore seismic surveys, as well as the regulation of over 25 PSCs and Licences), and at Ramps where he has been for four years. At Ramps Logistics, he is Head of Energy Sales, in charge of all tenders, contract negotiation and contract management covering all our clients across Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Mexico, USA and new territories. Clients include approx. 100 operators and service companies including ExxonMobil, Petronas, Tullow Oil, Schlumberger, Technip, Valaris and many more. Javed is former AAPG YP Vice President for T&T, Current Director Geological Society of T&T, Member of and frequent presenter at SPE, Board Member Couva/Pt LIsas Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad. Neil Evans, BHP Neil earned a BSc in Geology from Imperial College London and a PhD in structural geology from the University of Leeds in the UK. With 23 years of experience in the industry, he is Practice Lead Exploration Excellence in BHP Petroleum at Houston, where he is responsible for providing geoscience guidance and best practices to the Exploration and Appraisal teams at BHP. Prior to BHP, he undertook several post docs around the world in structural geology and salt tectonics. Neil is a member of AAPG. Katy Henderson-Moses, BP Trinidad & Tobago Katy earned a BSc in Geology & Geophysics from Yale University and a MSc in Petroleum Geoscience from the Imperial College London. With 16 years of experience in the industry, she works at BP Trinidad & Tobago as Greater Cassia Area Manager, Reservoir Development, where is responsible for production delivery and resource progression of the Greater Cassia hub fields in the Columbus Basin. Previous responsibilities as Exploration Manager included prospect evaluation and drill-out of infrastructure-led exploration inventory and JV partnership in deepwater Barbados Trough. Katy is a member of GSTT. James Shipka, Touchstone Exploration James earned a BSc in Geology from the University of Calgary. His 32 years of experience include exploration and development of mature assets in developed basins, enhanced oil recovery planning and implementation, conventional and unconventional gas exploration and prospect generation, field development and geological interpretation. Currently, he is Chief Operating Officer at Touchstone Exploration Inc. in Calgary, Canada and Fyzabad, Trinidad & Tobago, where he is responsible for the oversight of all technical aspects of the company’s operations, including exploration and development, subsurface (geology and geophysics), engineering, production, and business development. James is Fellow of the Geological Society of London, Member of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG) and the Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobagpo (GSTT). Ryan Ramsook, The University of the West Indies Ryan earned a BSc in Earth Sciences, MPhil Geology and a PhD in Geology from the University of the West Indies. In his 15 years of experience, he has worked at Sagres Energy Inc (South America, Caribbean, Canada); and at Trinity Exploration and Production Ltd (Trinidad). Currently, Ryan is Senior Lecturer and Petroleum Geoscience Coordinator at the Univeristy of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Ryan is a member of AAPG, GSL and SPE. Randolph (Randy) Hiscock, Bahamas Petroleum (BPC Limited) Randy earned a MSc / MBA from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. With 35 years of experience in the industry, he has worked as GM New Ventures & Business Development-Americas, Shell, and VP Latin America, Encana. Currently, he is Business Development & Uruguay, Managing Director at BPC Limited in Nassau, Bahamas. Randy is a member of AAPG, SEG and PESGB. Brian Glover, Staatsolie Brian holds a Bsc from the University of Aberdeen, and a PhD from Keele University. With 32 years of experience in the industry on Exploration, Development & General Management, Brian has worked in companies as Shell, Tullow, MOL Group and Seacrest Azimuth. Currently, he is Vice President Offshore at Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., where is responsible for the Upstream Offshore Value chain for Staatsolie. Kevin Ramnarine, Guyana Local Content Committee Kevin earned a BSc in Chemistry, a MSc in Petroleum Engineering and an MBA, all from the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine. With 17 years of experience in the industry, Kevin is Senior Adviser at Triple Junction Energy Advisors at Aranguez. He is Former Minister of Energy of Trinidad and Tobago. He is a member of SPE. Ken Nibbelink, JHI Associates Ken earned his BA degree in Geology from the Western State College of Colorado, a MS in Geology from Colorado State University, and a MS in Finance from the University of Houston. In his 40 years of experience in the industry, he has worked in companies as Union Pacific, Amoco, Devon, Hyperdynamics and JHI Associates (BVI), where he currently is VP Exploration in Steamboats Springs, Colorado, responsible for exploration Canje Block, Guyana. Ken is a member of AAPG, HGS, RMAG and PESGB.

Contacts

Emily Smith Llinás AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region Director

Diana Ruiz Vásquez AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region Events Manager

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