Oil and gas exploration potential in the exclusive economic zone of the Cuba's sector of the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Based on the latest interpretation results of 2D seismic data, combined with drilling, logging, and geochemical data, the reservoir‐forming conditions of the exclusive economic zone in the Cuba's sector of the Gulf of Mexico (Hereinafter refer to GOM) are studied systematically, and the oil and gas accumulation model in the study area is predicted. The favourable exploration zones are evaluated and optimized. The results show that: ① High quality Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous and potential Middle‐Lower Jurassic source rocks are developed in the study area. ② A set of Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous petroleum system and a potential Middle‐Lower Jurassic petroleum system are mainly developed in the study area. ③ At present, the proved petroleum system are found in the Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous strata. The oil and gas mainly comes from the Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous source rocks, and the reservoirs are mainly Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous fractured carbonate. The main seals are inter‐reservoir tight limestone, marl, and Palaeocene mudstone. ④ The thrust structural traps in the footwall of the fold thrust belt on the south side of the Florida platform, the margin zones of the Florida platform and Yucatan platform, and the Middle‐Lower Jurassic structural traps on the south side of the Yucatan platform have superior source‐reservoir‐cap configuration conditions. It is suggested that these areas have good oil and gas exploration potential in GOM.