Late Cretaceous Source Rocks of a Section in the Eastern Venezuelan Basin

Abstract

Micropaleontological and geochemical studies of Querecual and San Antonio formations were carried on a section (Cerro Negro) of the Serrania del Interior, in order to establish the imprint of the late Cretaceous [open quotes]Oceanic Anoxic Events[close quotes] (OAE), mentioned by numerous authors. For this purpose, the distribution patterns of microfossil assemblages, variations of organic matter content and, V/Ni ratios have been taken into account to recognize anoxic conditions. This stratigraphic section is characterized by the following: [open quotes]Anaerobic[close quotes] bottom conditions with oxigenated surface waters, indicated by the presence of a well-developed planktonic forms and virtually no benthic foraminifera. These conditions fluctuated along the section, prevailing at its base. Dysaerobic bottom conditions indicated by a low-diversity benthic foraminifera and, a well oxigenated surface waters suggested by high concentration of planktonic biota (foraminifer, radiolaria, and nannoplankton). An increase of organic matter content (TOC: 5-6%) and V/Ni ratios (3.7-4.2) are related to the [open quotes]anaerobic[close quotes] levels. Marine sediments of Brazilian continental margin display similar characteristics, which indicate that deposition of anoxic sediments was extended to the North of South America.