Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.8, No.4, pp. 423-434, 1985

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

IS THERE ACHICONTEPEC PALEOCANYON IN THE PALEOGENE OF EASTERN MEXICO?

A. Cantú Chapa*

* Sección de Graduados (ESIA, IPN) & Petróleos Mexicanos. Mailing address: Ap. Postal 53921; México, DF, 11320, Mexico.

Abstract

The Author studied the sediments in the so-called Chicontepec paleocanyon of eastern Mexico. With the simultaneous use of planktonic foraminifera and electric logs, it was possible to separate the Maastrichtian from the Paleogene, and to subdivide the Paleogene on the basis of paleontologic zones into Paleocene and Lower Eocene. Detailed stratigraphic study made it possible to establish the geographic distribution of the so-called paleocanyon. The paleocanyon sensu stricto is present only SE of the Poza Rica field. Here, is it present in a plunging synform, in which it has the shape and form of a delta, now at a depth of between 1,800 and 3,600 m below sea-level.