The Neuquén Basin, Argentina: An Overview

HOWELL, J.A.; SCHWARZ, E.; SPALLETTI, L.A.; VEIGA, G.D.

The Neuquén Basin: a case study in sequence stratigraphy and basin dynamics

Geological Society

Lugar: London; Año: 2005; p. 1 - 14

Abstract: The Neuque´n Basin of Argentina and central Chile contains a near-continuousLate Triassic–Early Cenozoic succession deposited on the eastern side of the evolvingAndean mountain chain. It is a polyphase basin characterized by three main stages of evolution:initial rift stage; subduction-related thermal sag; and foreland stage. The fill of thebasin records the tectonic evolution of the central Andes with dramatic evidence for baselevelchanges that occurred both within the basin and along its margins. The record ofthese changes within the mixed siliclastic–carbonate succession makes the basin an excellentfield laboratory for sequence stratigraphy and basin evolution. The 4000 m-thick fill ofthe basin also contains one of the most complete Jurassic–Early Cretaceous marine fossilrecords, with spectacular finds of both marine and continental vertebrates. The basin isalso the most important hydrocarbon-producing province in southern South America,with 280.4 x 10 6 m3 of oil produced and an estimated 161.9 x 10 6 m3 remaining. The principalcomponents of the hydrocarbon system (source and reservoir) crop out at the surfaceclose to the fields. The deposits of the basin also serve as excellent analogues to reservoirintervals worldwide.