The Veracruz tongue is an area of continental slope and rise sediments bounded topographically by the Mexican Ridges foldbelt and the Campeche-Sigsbee salt province. Study of two multichannel lines and single fold sparker data enables five

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seismic sequences to be distinguished in the tongue. Correlation of reflectors with well data allows ages, ranging from middle Miocene to Holocene, to be assigned to the seismic sequences.

Sedimentary processes responsible for deposition of each sequence are determined on the basis of external geometry, internal reflection configuration, and where possible, core data. Primary deposits consist of proximal and distal turbidites, and hemipelagites and pelagites. Sediments may be later modified by creep or slumping and sliding. This seismic stratigraphic study allows the depositional history of the Veracruz tongue to be elucidated and aids in the dating of folding and salt movement at the edges of the tongue.

Detailed interpretation of seismic waveforms indicates that gas accumulations are present in the study area. Future seismic stratigraphic studies will allow quantitative evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of the Veracruz tongue and the adjacent foldbelt.

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