 |
|
H. J. Belotti
H. J. Welsink
Perez Companc
Neuquén, Argentina
Abstract
The tectonic
evolution of the Neuquén basin spans about 220 m.y. of Mesozoic-Cenozoic
subsidence. Initial rifting in the Triassic was driven by extensional collapse
of the Permian-Triassic orogen. This period of extension was accommodated
by inherited structural inhomogeneities and a southwest-oriented extensional
stress field. From the Aalenian onward, fault-controlled subsidence was
replaced by regional subsidence. Several episodes of structural inversion
modified the shape of the depocenter and rejuvenated fringing sedimentary
source areas. The most significant inversion occurred in the late Oxfordian-earliest
Kimmeridgian when the Dorsal de Huincul was formed. This Late Jurassic
diastrophism marks a fundamental reorganization of extensional stress fields
related to fragmentation of southwestern Gondwana and the Atlantic opening.
Late Jurassic-Cretaceous extension was northwest directed. This history
of tectonic evolution is reflected in a complex structural framework, at
least two major hydrocarbon source rock intervals, and numerous reservoir
zones. |
|---|
