Deformation, Fluid Flow, and Reservoir Appraisal in Foreland Fold and Thrust Belts

Abstract

Several topics are covered including: *the use of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions and apatite fission tracks as paleothermometers for reconstructing P-T evolution of subthrust reservoirs *the use of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions and apatite fission tracks as paleothermometers for reconstructing P-T evolution of subthrust reservoirs *the coupling of kinematic and thermal modeling performed to trace the burial (P-T) evolution of potential source rocks and reservoirs in three cases studies in the southern Apennines, Colombia, and Pakistan *analytical results and integrated studies, which link deformation and fluid circulation in various fold and thrust belts, with the Sierra Madre in Mexico, the Central Brooks Range, the Arctic in Alaska, the Coastal belt in northern Spain, and the Ukraine featured. Links between deformation, fluid flow, diagenesis, and reservoir characteristics are discussed in depth and descriptions of petrographic techniques integrated with basin modeling are discussed in case studies for carbonate reservoirs in the Apennines, the Canadian Rockies, and the Polish Carpathians, and for sandstone reservoirs in Eastern Venezuela. Sixteen of the twenty-one chapters illustrate the influence of thrust-belt evolution on regional petroleum systems. The petroleum potential in the Tunisian Atlas and in Sicily, close to where the Hedberg Conference and post-conference field trip were held, is described. An older example is documented, for the Gaspe Appalachians, where multiphase Paleozoic deformation had a strong control on the burial history of potential source rocks, petroleum generation and migration, and oil charge of the traps. As the first in the brand-new Hedberg Series of publications, this volume is a comprehensive look at understanding petroleum systems in fold and thrust belts.