The contribution of the San Antonio formation for the hydrocarbon generation in the eastern Venezuela basin

Abstract

Late Cretaceous “black shales” of the San Antonio Formation have been considered together with Querecual formation the most important source rock for the oils in the Eastern Venezuela Basin. In the type section (Querecual river), it is characterized by a sequence of shales, cherts and sandstones. This work present a detailed study of the San Antonio Formation in the type section which includes source rock quality (TOC, organic matter type and maturity), organic matter distribution (migration), paleoenvironment interpretations (biostratigraphy, elemental concentration and distribution) and characterization of radioactive geochemistry.