Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.2, No.3, pp. 309-321, 1980

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

DARWIN'S NAVIDAD EMBAYMENT, SANTIAGO REGION, CHILE, AS A MODEL OF THE SOUTHEASTERN PACIFIC SHELF

Giovanni Cecioni*

*Departmento de Geologia, Universidad de Chile, Castilla 13518, Correo 21, Santiago, Chile.

Abstract

The sedimentary sequence of Darwin's Navidad embayment overlies a Carboniferous metamorphic basement, and was deposited in a NNW-striking basin, open toward the sea. The sediments formed in a temperate climate and consist of three marine sequences-- Cretaceous, Eocene, and Miocene-Pliocene. They exhibit some potential for oil and gas. The uppermost sediments of the Navidad Group were deposited in a more extensive sea, which was deeper, with lower wave energy. Near the present Pacific coastline, the sediments are tectonically disturbed. Farther east- and northward, the sediments are not affected by great disturbances. Some good types of stratigraphical traps, such as eolian sand beaches, may be expected.