MARAON BASIN

Technical
Report
The Hydrocarbon Potential of NE Peru
Huallaga, Santiago and Maraon
Basins Study
by
PARSEP
Proyecto de Asistencia para La Reglamentacin del Sector
Energtico del Per

TEKNICA

PERUPETRO S.A.

Gary Wine (Project Leader)

Joe Arcuri (Senior Geophysicist)

Elmer Martnez (Senior

Geophysicist/Perupetro Coordinator)
Justo Fernandez (Senior Geologist)
Ysabel Caldern (Geologist)
Carlos Galdos (Geophysicist)

On the cover:
A 3D display of the Maraon Basin
as seismically mapped on the Base
of Cretaceous. View is from the
north looking towards the south.

September 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................... 0
FIGURES............................................................................................................................ 4
TABLES ............................................................................................................................. 8
ENCLOSURES................................................................................................................... 9
Digital ........................................................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................... 10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 12
Interpretation................................................................................................................. 12
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 16
2.0 SCOPE OF PROJECT ............................................................................................... 18
3.0 PREVIOUS WORK IN THE STUDY AREA........................................................... 22
4.0 GEOLOGY OF THE MARANON AREA................................................................ 23
4.1 GENERAL BASIN DESCRIPTION..................................................................... 23
4.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY....................................................................................... 24
4.2.1 Pre-Andean System......................................................................................... 24
4.2.2 Andean System ............................................................................................... 28
4.3 GEOLOGY MARAON PROJECT AREA........................................................ 32
4.3.1 Mapping Project Overview ............................................................................. 32
4.3.1.1 Mapping Method...................................................................................... 32
4.3.1.2 Cretaceous Isopach Maps ........................................................................ 34
Cretaceous Isopach ........................................................................................... 34
Lower Cretaceous Isopach................................................................................ 34
Upper Cretaceous Isopach ................................................................................ 36
Vivian Formation Isopach................................................................................. 36
4.3.1.3 Tertiary Isopach Maps ............................................................................. 39
Lower Tertiary Isopach..................................................................................... 39
Lower Tertiary to Upper Cretaceous Isopach................................................... 39
4.3.1.4 Structure Maps ......................................................................................... 39
4.3.1.5 Cretaceous Sand/Shale Ratio Maps ......................................................... 40
Lower Cretaceous Sand/Shale Map ............................................................... 40
Upper Cretaceous Sand/Shale Map .................................................................. 42
4.3.2 Stratigraphy of the Maraon Area .................................................................. 42
4.3.2.1 Tertiary..................................................................................................... 44
4.3.2.2 Cretaceous................................................................................................ 45
Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault ........................................................................ 46
Maraon Basin Cretaceous Rifting................................................................... 47
Santiago Basin Cretaceous Rifting ................................................................... 47
Vivian/Chonta Contact...................................................................................... 50
Limonyacu 1X Well.......................................................................................... 50
Cretaceous aged Carbonate build-ups in the Maraon Basin ........................... 52
4.3.2.3 Jurassic (Sarayaquillo Fm) to Triassic (Mitu) ......................................... 52
Sarayaquillo Formation..................................................................................... 52
Pucar Group .................................................................................................... 55
Mitu................................................................................................................... 58
4.3.2.4 Paleozoic .................................................................................................. 58
4.3.1 Structural Analysis of Maraon Area ............................................................. 59
5.0 GEOPHYSICS........................................................................................................... 64

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 64

5.2 MARAON BASIN SEISMIC ACQUISTION HISTORY OF PARSEP DATA
SET ............................................................................................................................... 65
5.3 SEISMIC INTERPRETATION............................................................................. 66
5.3.1 Data Quality .................................................................................................... 66
5.3.2 Well Data Seismic Ties................................................................................... 67
5.3.3 Maraon Basin Seismic Profiles..................................................................... 67
5.3.3.1 Profile 1 Orellana to Nahuapa (Enclosure 26a) ................................. 67
5.3.3.2 Profile 2 Samiria Sur to Bolognesi (Enclosure 26b)............................. 68
5.3.3.3 Profile 3 NW Ucayali to Tapiche (Enclosure 26c) ............................... 69
5.3.3.4 Profile 4 Shanusi to Zapote (Enclosure 26d) ........................................... 69
5.3.3.5 Profile 5 Huangana to Tangarana (Enclosure 26e) .............................. 69
5.3.3.6 Profile 6 Nanay to Nahuapa (Enclosure 26f)........................................ 70
5.3.3.7 Profile 7- Santiago Basin to Arabela (Enclosure 26g)............................. 70
5.3.3.8 Profile 8 Ungumayo to Otorongo (Enclosure 26h)............................... 70
5.3.3.9 Profile 9 Paiche to Piraa (Enclosure 26i)............................................ 71
5.3.3.10 Profile 10 Arabela to Corrientes (Enclosure 26j) .............................. 71
5.3.4 Maraon Basin Seismic Mapping................................................................... 71
6.0 SUMMARY OF WELLS DRILLED BETWEEN 1990 - 2000................................ 72
6.1 PUCACURO 1X.................................................................................................... 73
6.2 TIGRE 1X.............................................................................................................. 73
6.3 ARABELA 1X....................................................................................................... 73
6.4 DIANA MAE 1X................................................................................................... 74
6.5 TUCUNARE 1X.................................................................................................... 74
6.7 ZORRO 1X ............................................................................................................ 75
6.8 SANTA CATALINA 1X....................................................................................... 75
6. 9 SANTA MARTHA 1X ......................................................................................... 76
6.10 ORELLANA 1X .................................................................................................. 76
6.11 SUNGAROYACU 1X ......................................................................................... 76
6.12 LIMONYACU 1X ............................................................................................... 76
6.13 BLOCK 67 WELLS (Dorado 1X, Piraa 1X, Paiche 1X) .................................. 77
6.14 SUMMARY......................................................................................................... 78
7.0 PETROLEUM GEOLOGY ....................................................................................... 79
7.1 GEOCHEMISTRY ................................................................................................ 79
7.1.1 General............................................................................................................ 79
7.1.2 Source Rocks and Maturity............................................................................. 80
7.1.2.1 Tertiary..................................................................................................... 81
7.1.2.2 Cretaceous................................................................................................ 82
7.1.2.3 Triassic/Jurassic ....................................................................................... 83
7.1.2.4 Paleozoic .................................................................................................. 83
7.1.3 Oil Families..................................................................................................... 84
7.1.3.1 Maquia/Samiria oil Family (Family C).................................................... 86
7.1.3.2 The Tambo/Sungachi Oil Family (Families A and B)............................. 86
7.1.3.3 Other Oil Family Studies ......................................................................... 88
7.1.4 Oil/Oil and Oil Source Correlations ............................................................ 89
7.1.5 Migration of Hydrocarbons............................................................................. 89
7.2 THERMAL MATURITY AND HC GENERATION MODELING..................... 90
7.2.1 Introduction..................................................................................................... 90
7.2.2 Present-Day Maturity...................................................................................... 97
7.2.2 Thermal Maturity and HC Generation Modeling ........................................... 98

7.2.2.1 Chambira Este 1X (123X) Well............................................................... 98

7.2.2.2 Chapuli 1X Well .................................................................................... 100
7.2.2.3 Corrientes 1X Well ................................................................................ 102
7.2.2.4 Forestal 1X (3X) Well ........................................................................... 103
7.2.2.5 Jibaro 1X Well ....................................................................................... 105
7.2.2.6 La Frontera 1X (3X) Well...................................................................... 107
7.2.2.7 Loreto 1X Well ...................................................................................... 109
7.2.2.8 Mahuaca 1X (3X) Well.......................................................................... 111
7.2.2.9 Maraon 110-1 Well .............................................................................. 112
7.2.2.10 Orellana 1X (3X) Well......................................................................... 114
7.2.2.11 Piraa 1X Well..................................................................................... 116
7.2.2.12 Santa Catalina 1X (2X) Well ............................................................... 118
7.2.2.13 Santa Lucia 1X (2X) Well ................................................................... 120
7.2.2.14 Shanusi 1X (2X) Well.......................................................................... 122
7.2.2.15 Tapiche 1X (2X) Well ......................................................................... 123
7.2.2.16 Tucunare 1X Well................................................................................ 125
7.2.2.17 Valencia 1X (25X) Well ...................................................................... 127
7.2.2.18 Yanayacu 1X (27X) Well .................................................................... 129
7.2.2.19 Yaez 1X (14X) Well .......................................................................... 130
7.2.2.20 Yarina 1X (2X) Well ........................................................................... 132
7.2.3 Temperature Gradient ................................................................................... 134
7.3 EXPLORATION CONCEPTS MARAON BASIN ......................................... 135
7.3.1 Historical Exploration Strategies for Oil Exploration in the Maraon Basin135
7.3.2 Revised Exploration Strategies for Oil Exploration in the Maraon Basin.. 139
7.3.2.1 Cretaceous............................................................................................... 139
Paleo-Stratigraphic Traps................................................................................ 140
Paleo-Structural Traps .................................................................................... 141
Conclusions..................................................................................................... 144
7.3.2.2 Pucar...................................................................................................... 145
7.3.2.3 Paleozoic ................................................................................................ 146
7.3.2 Other Exploration Issues............................................................................... 147
7.3.2.1 Data Issues ............................................................................................. 147
7.3.2.2 Hydrodynamics ...................................................................................... 148
7.4 NEW PROSPECTS AND LEADS IN THE MARAON BASIN .................... 149
7.4.1 Picuro Prospect ............................................................................................. 149
7.4.2 Pastococha/Samiria Area (Enclosure 31)...................................................... 152
7.4.2.1 Nutria Prospect (Figures 124 to 126)..................................................... 155
7.4.2.1 Other Lead Areas (Figures 124 and 125)............................................... 155
7.3.4 Majaz Prospect (Enclosure 32) ..................................................................... 155
7.3.4 Southwest Maraon Pucar Prospects .......................................................... 158
7.3.4.2 Shanusi 1X Offset .................................................................................. 158
7.3.4.2 Yurimaguas Structure ............................................................................ 159
8.0 CONCLUSIONS...................................................................................................... 160
9.0 SELECTED REFERENCES ................................................................................... 162

FIGURES
Figure 1: Areas of investigation of the PARSEP Group Huallaga, Santiago and Maraon Basins,
and intervening areas.................................................................................................... 16
Figure 2: Map showing location of 2D SEGY Seismic Data set and the new field wildcats utilized in
the Maraon Basin Evaluation ....................................................................................... 18
Figure 3: Location of the Amerada and Oceanic data sets in the western Maraon Basin that were
interpreted off of paper copies. The results of this interpretation are included in montages
(Enclosures 30a and 30b) outside of the digital data set interpretation. ............................... 19
Figure 4: Map of the Block 1AB area showing the lack of available SEGY seismic data ............... 20
Figure 5: Geology of the Maraon/Santiago/Huallaga Basin Area ............................................. 23
Figure 6: Magnetic Intensity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area .......................... 25
Figure 7: Bouguer Gravity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area ............................ 25
Figure 8: Stratigraphic Column of the NE Peruvian basins - highlighted in yellow is the
nomenclature used in this report .................................................................................... 26
Figure 9: Location of the Paleozoic penetrations in the Maraon Basin ...................................... 28
Figure 10: Seismic line OR-95-08 in the southwestern most Maraon Basin showing the evolution of
a Late Permian to early Mesozoic extensional basin through the use of different datums
(flattenings) (PARSEP, 2002) ......................................................................................... 29
Figure 11: (After Tankard, 2001) Late Jurassic Early Cretaceous paleogeography, showing two
principal styles of basin formation, viz. strike-slip associated extensional basins in which the
extensional normal faults are approximately northward oriented, and NW-oriented strike-slip
basins. The locus of extensional subsidence was between the Contaya and Jambeli-NaranjalVuana shear zones. Ac, Acre basin; bsz, Biabo shear zone; C, Cutucu depocenter; co, Contaya
high; csz, Contaya shear zone; H, Huallaga Basin; ia, Iquitos Arch; jnvsz, Jambeli-NaranjalVuana shear zone; jsz, Juru shear zone; lT ftb, late Tertiary fold thrust belt of the Madre de
Dios range; N, Napo depocenter; pa, Paragua shear zone; psz, Pucalpa shear zone; S, Santiago
Basin; sh, Shanusi fault (Chazuta Thrust-PARSEP); U, Ucayali Basin. ............................... 31
Figure 12: Structure Map on Top of Chonta Limestone showing the depositional edge of the unit . 33
Figure 13: Cretaceous Isopach Map ....................................................................................... 33
Figure 14: Isopach of the Upper Cretaceous (Top Vivian to Chonta Limestone Marker) .............. 35
Figure 15: Isopach of the Lower Cretaceous (Chonta Limestone Marker to Base Cretaceous) ...... 35
Figure 16: Isopach of the Vivian Formation ............................................................................ 37
Figure 17: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale to the Top of Vivian) ............................... 37
Figure 18: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale) to the Chonta Limestone Marker ............. 38
Figure 19: Structure Map Top of the Vivian Formation ........................................................... 38
Figure 20: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Lower Cretaceous (excluding the Cushabatay Formation)

................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 21: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Upper Cretaceous....................................................... 41
Figure 22: West to east composite seismic line through the Maraon Basin showing several cycles of
Pozo deposition ............................................................................................................ 43
Figure 23: Seismic Line OXY-23 across the Maraon Basin Hingeline fault showing its influence on
Cretaceous deposition ................................................................................................... 46
Figure 24: Seismic line OXY 9 across the Situchi Graben showing evidence of transtensional
tectonics that were active in the northwest Maraon Basin during Cretaceous to Early Tertiary
time. ........................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 25: A seismic example from the Santiago Basin demonstrating Cretaceous syn-depositional
extensional tectonics. Note the dramatic thinning of the Cretaceous section from south to
north........................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 26: Cross-Section from Capahuari Sur to the Tucunare well showing the prograding
relationship of the Vivian and Upper Chonta Formations ................................................. 50
Figure 27: Location of Tambo 3D (southern Block 1AB area) ................................................... 51
Figure 28: Amplitude time slice through Tambo 3D survey 475ms below a flattened Pozo datum
showing location of composite seismic line ....................................................................... 51

Figure 29: Composite 3D line through two buildups associated with the Chonta Limestone, with
Pozo datum.................................................................................................................. 51
Figure 30: Carbonate anomalies detailed and datumed on near Base Chonta Limestone. ............. 51
Figure 31: As in Figure 30 above but displayed as an instantaneous amplitude section ................. 51
Figure 32: Composite Seismic Line in the southern Maraon Basin showing the inter-Sarayaquillo
event separating the Upper and Lower Sarayaquillo Units. ............................................... 53
Figure 33: Isochron Map of the Lower Sarayaquillo Unit ......................................................... 54
Figure 34: Isochron Map of the Upper Sarayaquillo Unit ......................................................... 54
Figure 35: Coastal seismic line CP-739802 flattened on the Base Cretaceous Unconformity showing
westward progradational relationship between the Sarayaquillo and Pucar sequences. See
Figure 33 for location. ................................................................................................... 55
Figure 36: Isochron Map of the Pucar Group in the Maraon Basin ........................................ 56
Figure 37: Isochron map of Chonta to Paleozoic/Basement interval showing paleo-highs and lows in
the vicinity of Shanusi and Loreto wells that would have had an influence on the deposition of
the Pucar Formation. .................................................................................................. 57
Figure 38: Series of flattenings across the Mitu graben located east of the Shanusi well (Figure 37).

................................................................................................................................... 58
Figure 39: TWT Structure Map on the Contaya showing the distribution of Paleozoic rocks in the
Southern Maraon Basin .............................................................................................. 59
Figure 40: Preserved Paleozoic section in the southern Maraon Basin showing the horst and graben
system that developed at the beginning of the Andean Orogeny. Many of the normal faults
cutting the Paleozoic section have undergone later minor compressional reactivation. The
Paleozoic intervals noted on the seismic line are approximations only ................................. 60
Figure 41: Deflection of the Shanusi fault around the Tiraco Dome (Modified from Ingemmet
digital quadrangle maps). .............................................................................................. 60
Figure 42: Isochron of the Pozo to Base Cretaceous interval ..................................................... 61
Figure 43: Seismic example of the vertical uplift of the northern Campanquiz Mountains separating
the Santiago and Maraon Basins .................................................................................. 62
Figure 44: Seismic line MPH 23 across the southern plunge of the Tiraco Dome. This line is
orientated SW to NE and is located just south of the Tiraco Dome as shown in Figure 41. ..... 63
Figure 45: SW-NE seismic line through the northeast Maraon Basin (Block 67 Area) showing a
proliferation of faults with a very young origin that were formed during the Quechua III
compressional tectonic event. ......................................................................................... 63
Figure 46: Map on left shows locations of the majority of seismic shot in the Maraon Basin since
1970. Map on right is a display of the SEGY Seismic data set that was used in this
interpretation. Included in both are the available data sets in the Santiago and Huallaga
Basins. ........................................................................................................................ 64
Figure 47: Map of the Maraon Basin showing the location of the ten Seismic Profiles ................ 68
Figure 48: Location of exploration wells drilled in the Maraon Basin between 1990 and 2000. .... 72
Figure 49: Distribution of Oil Families in the Maraon, Santiago and Huallaga Basins with the
Tambo/ Sungachi Family in the northern areas and the Maquia/Samiria Family in the south.
Modified from CTI (2000) ............................................................................................. 85
Figure 50: Detail of Oil Families in the northern Maraon Basin, modified from Arco (1996) ....... 85
Figure 51: Comparison of Sterane biomarker patterns of Sungachi and Tambo oils. Note close
correlation due to close genetic relationship. (Modified from CTI, 2000). ............................ 87
Figure 52: Distribution patterns of C25 and C26 Tricyclic Trepanes (T25 and T26) and C24Tetracyclic Terpane (Tet) in Sungachi 1,Samiria oils and Tiraco Dome Seep (Modified from
CTI, 2000). .................................................................................................................. 87
Figure 53: Oil Families in the Maraon Basin Crude oils, from Arco (1996) ............................... 88
Figure 54: Migration pathways of Chonta and Pucar oils in the Maraon/Oriente Basin. Note
orientation of oil fields and Pucar subcrop. Modified from CTI (2000) .............................. 90
Figure 55: Index map of Maraon Basin wells which were modeled with BasinMod and cross
sections with present day maturity depths ....................................................................... 91
Figure 56: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Chonta level .............................. 92

Figure 57: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Chonta level. Maturity increases
to the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at shallow depths ............... 92
Figure 58: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Pucar level............................... 93
Figure 59: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Pucar level. Maturity increases
to the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at shallow depths ............... 93
Figure 60: Present day maturity in the northwestern and northern Maraon Basin .................... 94
Figure 61: Present day maturity in the southwestern and central Maraon Basin ....................... 95
Figure 62: Present day maturity in the southern and southeastern Maraon Basin. A pre-Cretaceous
maturity history is implied east of the Santa Lucia 2X well ................................................ 96
Figure 63: Maturity burial in Chambira Este 123X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta in the earlymature oil window and the Cretaceous Raya in the mid-mature oil window ........................ 99
Figure 64: Maturity versus Time plot in the Chambira Este 123X Well.................................... 100
Figure 65: Maturity burial in Chapuli 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, all
Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the late-mature oil window.

................................................................................................................................. 101
Figure 66: Maturity versus Time plot in the Chapuli 1X Well ................................................. 101
Figure 67: Maturity burial in Corrientes 1X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the top
and middle of the early-mature oil window and the Raya the top of the mid-mature oil window

................................................................................................................................. 102
Figure 68: Maturity versus Time plot in the Corrientes 1X Well ............................................. 103
Figure 69: Maturity burial in the Forestal 3X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window
and all the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil windows .................................................... 104
Figure 70: Maturity versus Time plot in the Forestal 3X Well ................................................. 105
Figure 71: Maturity burial in the Jibaro 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window and
all the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window ............................................................ 106
Figure 72: Maturity versus Time plot in the Jibaro 1X Well ................................................... 106
Figure 73: Maturity burial in the La Frontera 3X Well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early-mature oil window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas
generation window ..................................................................................................... 108
Figure 74: Maturity versus Time plot in the La Frontera 3X Well ........................................... 108
Figure 75: Maturity versus Depth plot in the La Frontera 1X Well .......................................... 109
Figure 76: Maturity burial in the Loreto 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, the
Cretaceous Chonta and Raya in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar in the main gas
generation window ..................................................................................................... 110
Figure 77: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Loreto 1X Well.................................................. 110
Figure 78: Maturity burial in the Mahuaca 3X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window,
the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the
top of the main gas generation window.......................................................................... 111
Figure 79: Maturity versus Time plot in the Mahuaca 3X Well ............................................... 112
Figure 80: Maturity burial in the Maraon 110 Well shows the Chonta and Raya Formations in the
early-mature oil window, and Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation window ...... 113
Figure 81: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Maraon 110 Well ............................................. 114
Figure 82: Maturity burial in the Orellana 3X Well shows the Pozo Shale at the top of the earlymature oil window, the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya Formations in the early-and mid-mature
oil windows, respectively, and the Pucar in the late-mature oil window and top of the main gas
generation window ..................................................................................................... 115
Figure 83: Maturity versus Time plot in the Orellana 3X Well ................................................ 115
Figure 84: Maturity burial in the Piraa 1X well shows most of the Cretaceous in the late-mature oil
window and the Pozo in the mid-mature oil window ....................................................... 117
Figure 85: Maturity versus Time plot in the Piraa 1X Well ................................................... 117
Figure 86: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Piraa 1X Well.................................................. 118
Figure 87: Maturity burial in the Santa Catalina 2X well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early- and mid-mature oil windows, respectively, and the Pucar in the main
gas generation window ................................................................................................ 119

Figure 88: Maturity versus Time plot in the Santa Catalina 2X Well ....................................... 119
Figure 89: Maturity burial in the Santa Lucia 2X Well shows the Cretaceous mainly in the earlymature oil window and the Pucar in the late-mature oil window ..................................... 121
Figure 90: Maturity versus Time plot in the Santa Lucia 2X Well ........................................... 121
Figure 91: Maturity burial in the Shanusi 2X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the
early-mature oil window, the Raya Formation in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar
between the late-mature oil window and the main gas generation window ......................... 122
Figure 92: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Shanusi 2X well ................................................. 123
Figure 93: Maturity burial in the La Frontera 3X Well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early-mature oil window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas
generation window ..................................................................................................... 124
Figure 94: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Tapiche 2X Well ................................................ 125
Figure 95: Maturity burial in Tucunare 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, the
Cretaceous between mid- and upper late-mature oil windows and the Pucar in the top of the
main gas generation window ........................................................................................ 126
Figure 96: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Tucunare 1X Well ............................................. 126
Figure 97: Maturity burial in Valencia 25X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the
early-mature oil window and the Raya Formation in the mid-mature oil window ............... 128
Figure 98: Maturity versus Time plot in the Valencia 25X Well .............................................. 129
Figure 99: Maturity burial in the Yanayacu 27X Well shows the Pozo Shale in the early-mature oil
window, the Cretaceous Chonta in the early- to mid-mature oil window and the Raya in the
mid-mature oil window ............................................................................................... 129
Figure 100: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yanayacu 27X Well.......................................... 130
Figure 101: Maturity burial in the Yaez 14X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window,
all the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the late-mature oil
window entering the top of the main gas generation window............................................ 131
Figure 102: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yaez 14X Well ............................................... 132
Figure 103: Maturity burial in the Yarina 2X Well shows the Chonta and Raya in the early-mature
oil window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation window ..................... 133
Figure 104: Detailed Maturity burial chart for the Yarina 2X Well ......................................... 133
Figure 105: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yarina 2X Well................................................ 134
Figure 106: Temperature Gradient map in the Maraon Basin w/Data from over 100 NFW (only
modeled wells shown).................................................................................................. 135
Figure 107: Seismic Line through Huitayacu 1X Well showing present day structure (left) and a
paleo-structural section (right) which has been flattened on the Pozo. Note the absence of a
paleo-structure associated with the Huitayacu 1X Well ................................................... 136
Figure 108: Seismic Line Oxy-23 through several productive structures in the northern Maraon
Basin. The upper display is in present-day 2WT section and the lower display is flattened on
the Pozo showing structure development during early Tertiary time................................. 137
Figure 109: Location of Seismic Line Oxy 23 ........................................................................ 138
Figure 110: Seismic Line through the Corrientes structure showing present day structure (above)
and paleo-structure (below) which has been flattened on the Pozo. Productive reservoirs are
highlighted. Note the absence of paleo-structure. ........................................................... 138
Figure 111: Seismic Line through the Capirona and Pavayacu structures showing present day
structure (above) and paleo-structure (below) which has been flattened on the Pozo.
Productive reservoirs are highlighted. Note the absence of paleo-structure. ...................... 139
Figure 112: Unflattened and Flattened (Pozo) seismic line (PK3-256) through the Yanayacu field.
Note the lack of any paleo-structure at Pozo depositional time ......................................... 141
Figure 113: Pozo to Base Cretaceous Isochron showing the presence of a large paleo-structure just
north of the Pastococha well. The seismic line highlighted is shown in Figures 114 and 115 . 142
Figure 114: Seismic Line PHI-10 flattened on the Pozo showing the presence of a sizable paleostructure that existed in the Pastococha/Samiria area in early Tertiary time...................... 143
Figure 115: Present day time section of Seismic Line PHI-10 showing how the high as mapped in
Figure 113, has disappeared......................................................................................... 143

Figure 116: Amplitude time slices through the Tucunare 3D survey showing how Tucunare
Structure disappears at shallower depths ...................................................................... 144
Figure 117: Composite log through the Cabanillas section of the Tapiche 1X well ..................... 147
Figure 118: Location of the Picuro group of prospects ........................................................... 149
Figure 119: TWT Top Vivian Map showing the Picuro Vivian Prospect ................................... 150
Figure 120: 3D display of the Picuro Vivian Prospect. This Map was generated from the one
displayed in Figure 119. .............................................................................................. 150
Figure 121: TWT Structure Map on top of the Pucar ........................................................... 151
Figure 122: Seismic Line AH73-1 (Figure 121) through the east verging fault trend that creates the
series of closures at Pucar level, colored yellow in Figure 121 ......................................... 151
Figure 123: Location of the recommended Block in the Pastococha/Samiria area ...................... 152
Figure 124: TWT Structure Map on the Pozo. Note the structural elevation of the Nutria structure
relative to the one tested by the Samiria Sur 1X well. Highlighted seismic line displayed in
Figure 9..................................................................................................................... 153
Figure 125: 3D TWT map on the Base Cretaceous (from seismic map on Enclosure 2 of 3 this series)
with cross sections AA and BB of wells (Pozo to Base Cretaceous in depth) projected onto the
surface. Note the off-structure locations of the Samiria 1X and possibly the Viracocha 1X wells

................................................................................................................................. 154
Figure 126: composite seismic line (located on Figure 7) through the Nutria Prospect, the Samiria 1X
well and the Samiria Sur 1X wells................................................................................. 155
Figure 127: Location Map showing seismic lines used for this evaluation (thick dark blue); examined
Prakla and GSI lines not used due to serious mistie problems (thin dark blue); and the seismic
lines that were not available for this evaluation (thin black)............................................. 156
Figure 128: The maximum size of the structure when mapped on the top of the Vivian if closed at
the 2655ms level as indicated above, is approximately 100 km2 ........................................ 156
Figure 129: Composite line (Figure 128) across the corner of the Majaz prospect and Diana Mae
locations .................................................................................................................... 157
Figure 130: West to east seismic line GW95-Q4 (Figure 128) across the Majaz structure............ 157
Figure 131: Shanusi area time-structure map on top of Pucar. The Shanusi 1X well tested gas on a
small satellite structure that opens up to a much larger feature to its SE. .......................... 158
Figure 132: Subsea structural map on Top Vivian showing the relative structural relationship of the
Yurimaguas well to that of the Shanusi 1X well. Highlighted area is potential reservoir
fairway trend of the Pucar identified in the Shanusi well ............................................... 159

TABLES
Table 1: List of Maraon Basin wells penetrating the Paleozoic Section and the Formation tops .. 27
Table 2: Seismic acquisition history of the data used by PARSEP in the Maraon Basin ............. 66
Table 3: Summary of Source Rock Data ................................................................................ 81
Table 4: Geochemical Characteristics of Genetic Oil Families in the Maraon, Santiago and
Huallaga Basins (CoreLab, 1996) ................................................................................... 86
Table 5: Chambira Este 123X Well Formations and Events ...................................................... 99
Table 6: Chapuli 1X Well Formations and Events ................................................................. 100
Table 7: Corrientes 1X Well Formations and Events.............................................................. 102
Table 8: Forestal 3X well Formations and Events .................................................................. 104
Table 9: Jibaro 1X Well Formations and Events ................................................................... 105
Table 10: La Frontera 3X Well Formations and Events.......................................................... 107
Table 11: Loreto 1X Well Formations and Events ................................................................. 109
Table 12: Mahuaca 3X Well Formations and Events .............................................................. 111
Table 13: Maraon 110-1 Formations and Events ................................................................. 113
Table 14: Orellana 3X Well Formations and Events .............................................................. 114

Table 15:
Table 16:
Table 17:
Table 18:
Table 19:
Table 20:
Table 21:
Table 22:
Table 23:
Table 24:

Piraa 1X Well Formations and Events ................................................................. 116

Santa Catalina 2X Well Formations and Events ...................................................... 118
Santa Lucia 2X Well Formations and Events .......................................................... 120
Shanusi 2X Well Formations and Events ................................................................ 122
Tapiche 2X well Formations and Events ................................................................ 124
Tucunare 1X Well Formations and Events ............................................................. 125
Valencia 25X Well Formations and Events ............................................................. 127
Yanayacu 27X Well Formations and Events ........................................................... 129
Yaez 14X Well Formations and Events ................................................................ 131
Yarina 2X Well Formations and Events ................................................................. 132

ENCLOSURES
1. Maraon Basin Location Maps
a. Location map of blocks, wells, and seismic
b. Location map of cross-sections, wells, and seismic
c. Location map of seismic profiles, wells, and seismic
2. Bouguer Gravity Map Maraon Basin
3. Magnetic Intensity Map Maraon Basin
4. Top Vivian Structural Map
5. Top Chonta Limestone Marker Structural Map
6. Top Cushabatay Structural Map
7. Pozo Shale to Top Cretaceous Isopach Map
8. Pozo Shale to Chonta Limestone Marker Isopach Map
9. Cretaceous Isopach Map
10. Top Cretaceous to Chonta Limestone Marker Isopach Map
11. Chonta Limestone Marker to Base Cretaceous Isopach Map
12. Chonta Limestone Isopach Map
13. Top Cretaceous to Chonta Limestone Marker Sand/Shale Ratio Map
14. Chonta Limestone Marker to Top Cushabatay Sand/Shale Ratio Map
15. Pozo TWT Structure Map
16. Chonta TWT Structure Map
17. Chonta Limestone TWT Structure Map
18. Base Cretaceous TWT Structure Map
19. Pozo to Base Cretaceous Isochron Map
20. Upper Sarayaquillo Isochron Map
21. Lower Sarayaquillo Isochron Map
22. Pucar Group
a. Pucar Facies Map NE Peru.
b. Isochron Map
23. Cabanillas TWT Structure Map
24. Contaya TWT Structure Map
25. Base Cretaceous to Cabanillas Isochron Map
26. Seismic Profiles
a. Profile 1 Orellana to Nahuapa
b. Profile 2 Samiria Sur to Bolognesi
c. Profile 3 NW Ucayali to Tapiche
d. Profile 4 Shanusi to Zapote
e. Profile 5 Tangarana to Huangana
f. Profile 6 Nanay to Nahuapa

g.
h.
i.
j.

27.
28.
29.

30.
31.
32.

Profile 7 Santiago Basin to Arabela

Profile 8 Ungumayo to Otorongo
Profile 9 Paiche to Piraa
Profile 10 Arabela to Corrientes
Maraon Geochemical Modeling Montage
Southern Maraon Basin - Seismic Examples of Producing Fields
Representative Seismic line through several Block 1AB Structures
Picuro Prospect Western Maraon Basin
a. Vivian Prospect
b. Pucar Prospects
Pastococha/Samiria Area Southeast Maraon Basin Hydrocarbon Accumulations and
Leads (3 sheets)
Diana Mae Area Majaz Prospect

Digital
33. Maraon Basin SEGY Data on Exabyte Tape
34. CD containing
a. Report
b. Appendices
c. Enclosures

APPENDIX
HARDCOPY
1. Wells drilled in the Maraon Basin and their status
2. Cross sections across the Maraon Basin
a. Section: Chapuli - Paiche A-A
b. Section: Chapuli-Zapote B-B
c. Section: Mahuaca-Paiche C-C
d. Section: Paiche-La Frontera D-D
e. Section: Pauyacu-Belen E-E
f. Section: Santa Catalina-Yarina F-F
g. Section: Yaez-Nanay G-G
h. Section: Forestal-Sta Elena H-H
i. Section: Shanusi-Nahuapa I-I
3. Graphical presentation of wells drilled between 1990 and 2000 in the Maraon Basin
a. Listing and Location Map of Wells
b. Pucacuro 1X
c. Tigre 131X
d. Arabela 1X
e. Diana Mae 1X
f. Limonyacu 1X
g. Zorro 1X
h. Santa Catalina 1X
i. Santa Martha 1X
j. Orellana 1X
k. Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
l. Tucunare 1X
m. Block 67 Wells
i. Dorado 1X
ii. Piraa 1X
iii. Paiche 1X
4. PARSEP third party studies
a. ChemTerra Intl. Consultants Oil Generation in Sub-Andean Basins of Peru
b. Tankard Enterprises Ltd. Tectonic Framework Of Basin Evolution in Peru

10

c.

Rakhit Petroleum Consulting Ltd. Maraon Basin Hydrodynamic Study

DIGITAL CD (Enclosure 34)

5. Listing of PARSEP Seismic Lines in SEGY Excel Spreadsheet
6. Access Well Database of Maraon New Field Wildcats (NFW) Access DB
7. Composite Well Logs LAS Files of Maraon NFW
8. Erwin Ebner Evaluation Gravity and Magnetic Study ASCII Data & Maps
9. Seismic Interpretation ASCII Data
a. Horizon File
b. Fault File
10. Maraon Basin SEGY Seismic Navigational Data
11. Perupetro Maraon Basin Archived Files Excel Spreadsheet

11

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Description
The Maraon Basin Technical Report was conducted approximately over a two-year span
by PARSEP, Proyecto de Asistencia para La Reglamentacin del Sector Energtico del
Per which is a joint venture between the governments of Peru and Canada. The
objective of this study was to reexamine the geological and geophysical data from within
the archives of Perupetro and produce a final report on the future hydrocarbon potential
of the Maraon Basin. Due to the immense quantity of data and limited time and
resources, a decision was made early in the study to handle the well and seismic data in
only a digital format so interpretation could be done using computer workstations.
Almost the first year of the project was spent on data collection, quality control and
review. LAS files for all new field wildcats were gathered and when not available, well
curves were digitized. Standardized composite well logs were made for all from this data
set, which were utilized to create a cross-section grid tied to seismic across the Basin.
Seismic SEGY data collection and quality control was considerable more problematic.
As much of this study was seismic driven, it was difficult to make any forward progress
in the project until a reasonable amount of seismic data was loaded on the workstation.
Of the more than 50,000 km of data in the Maraon Basin it took at least one year to
locate just over 12,000 km of data and get it loaded. Seismic SEGY data collection is an
ongoing process and at the time of the this report, over 30,000 km of 2D seismic lines
and nine 3D seismic surveys have been loaded for the Maraon Basin. Within the
context of this report, however, as there were time constraints, a cutoff date of December
1, 2001 was set after which no new data was be utilized in the interpretation. By this
date, 22,723 km (777 lines) from approximately 30 different seismic surveys had been
loaded and constitutes the SEGY data set included in this report. It was proposed that
any data acquired after that date be utilized in future studies when a much more detailed
evaluation of Maraon Basin could be completed.
To supplement the work of PARSEP Group, four additional studies were conducted by
outside consultants who are considered to be experts in their field. The four studies are
all included as Appendices in this report, and were as follows,
1.
2.
3.
4.

Geochemical: by Hans Von Der Dick, ChemTerra International Ltd.

Tectonics: by Tony Tankard, Tankard Enterprises
Hydrodynamics: by Kaush Rakhit, Rakhit Petroleum Consulting Ltd.
Magnetic and Gravity: by Erwin Ebner, ELS Consulting

Interpretation
The Maraon Basin is a large sub-Andean Basin extending north from the Ucayali Basin,
through Peru into Ecuador and Colombia where it is know as the Oriente and Putumayo
Basins respectively. The Basins evolution begins in the Late Permian to Early Triassic
with a major extensional event that dissected the underlying Paleozoic platform and
basement rocks into a series of roughly northwest-southeast grabens and half grabens. In
the western extremes, deep rift basins were formed containing sequences of synrift

12

continentally derived sediments that are overlain by a Triassic to Jurassic-aged marine to

transitional (sabkha) unit dominated by carbonate deposition and evaporites. This in turn
is overlain by regressive continental redbeds of Jurassic age.
The eastern Maraon is very different with the remnants of the Late Permian to Early
Triassic extensional event being persevered only as a series of half grabens that contain a
preserved section of Paleozoic rocks within the lows with early Cretaceous peneplanation
stripping off most if not all, of the intervening sediments. In the eastern Maraon the
amount of preserved Paleozoic rocks beneath the Cretaceous decreases considerably from
south to north to the point where the Cretaceous is seen overlying rocks of only basement
affinity as the border with Ecuador is approached.
With this difference it is easy to divide the Basin into two distinct regions, the western
and eastern Maraon Basin divided by a major hinge zone. This hinge zone is supported
with both magnetic and gravity data. It represents the line of flexure separating the stable
Maraon platform in the east from the subsiding Basin to the west during the Basins
thermal sag phase from Late Triassic to Jurassic (+Cretaceous?) time and the rapidly
subsiding Maraon foredeep during Tertiary time.
The Maraon Basin started to take on its present-day configuration through a sequence of
tectonic events that spans the Tertiary and culminated in the Miocene to near Recent with
the highly deforming Quechua orogeny. The present day western margin was formed
through a complex combination of wrench related high angle faults, basin inversions and
thin-skinned deformation fronts that now separate the Maraon Basin from the Santiago
Basin to its northwest and the Huallaga Basin to its southwest.
To standardize the Cretaceous stratigraphy of the Maraon Basin, nine regional crosssections were constructed across the Basin and datumed just above the Chonta
Limestone, which is close to the maximum flooding surface during the Cretaceous.
When possible, this data was tied to seismic. The data was exported to a database from
which a series of maps were generated. These maps were found to support previous
interpretations provided in literature on the Basin. When seismic data was integrated into
the stratigraphic interpretation, however, several important issues surfaced that were not
evident with just well data.
1. The significance of the Maraon Hingeline across which there are major
changes in stratigraphy within the Cretaceous
2. The Hingeline fault system was intermittently active through geological time
and affects more of the geological column than just the Cretaceous
3. A significant Upper Cretaceous to Early Tertiary WNW-ESE trending wrench
related extensional event can be documented in the northwestern Maraon and
Santiago Basins that greatly effect the stratigraphy of the Cretaceous section
4. The presence of a Chonta-aged patch reef, which nucleated on the Chonta
Limestone. These features significantly affected later depositional patterns in
the overlying Chonta and Vivian sections.
Geochemical studies in the Basin have recognized two significant petroleum source rocks
that have generated the hydrocarbons found in the Cretaceous reservoirs of the Maraon
Basin. These are, the Cretaceous Chonta/Raya Formations and the Triassic/Jurassic
Pucar Group. A third less known source rock for the Maraon Basin is also present
within the Devonian Cabanillas sequence.
It, however is confined exclusively to

13

southeastern portion of the Basin. The Chonta and Pucar source rocks in the Basin and
neighboring areas are sufficiently rich enough to have generated the commercial amounts
of hydrocarbons presently found in the oil fields of the Maraon Basin in addition to a
sizeable amount of as of yet, undiscovered reserves. A long-range migration from these
source rock kitchen areas to reservoir is implied for the accumulations found to date.
Three major episodes of HC generation and migration can be documented in the Basin.
The first event occurs during Carboniferous/early Permian time with the generation of
hydrocarbons from the Devonian Cabanillas and Ordovician Contaya Formations. The
survival of this early hydrocarbon generation phase due to tectonics and over-maturity is
questionable, however. The second event occurred in late Jurassic time, which triggered
Pucar hydrocarbon generation. The third hydrocarbon generation event occurred during
Neogene time and affected the Mesozoic and partially the Tertiary sequences. It
generated a second pulse of mature oil and gas from the Pucar where Pucar
hydrocarbon generation had not terminated. Chonta HC generation and migration,
however, is an ongoing process that has continued through to the present.
Exploration models in the Maraon Basin for last 20 years have been more or less driven
by the same concepts. This is quite evident when one examines literature and reviews the
NFW wells drilled in the Basin between 1990 and 2000. The critical criteria for defining
Cretaceous exploration targets historically in the Maraon Basin, was the presence of
paleo-structures. The logic behind this is sound in that the paleo-structures needed to be
in place in the Early Tertiary, to catch the primary and principal pulse of Chonta
generated oils. This is a philosophy that has dictated exploration in Maraon Basin for
quite some time despite the numerous accumulations with,

No paleo-structure
Paleo-structures too small to account for the amount of presently trapped oil
Present day structures with well developed paleo-structures that are dry or with
insignificant oil columns.

With these inconsistencies there are clearly other mechanisms at work. Where oil has
been found in younger structures, the explanation is one utilizing the remigration of oil
from an older breached or tilted accumulation. This is widely accepted and in this report,
one of the most critical aspect for future oil exploration in the Maraon Basin. The
shortcomings of the paleo-structure hypothesis are that it misses two very important
issues, large-scale paleo-stratigraphic traps and paleo-structures that are no longer closed.
As long as traps of both these styles were in place and proximal to the later developing
Andean Late Tertiary aged structures, the remigration from these paleo-accumulations
into younger aged structures is far from difficult to imagine. Obviously, some of these
paleo-traps would be coincidental with the younger structures and others not. The key to
exploration in the Maraon Basin is in the definition of paleo-traps, not just structures,
and in the remigration route of that hydrocarbon during the Quechua deformation.
The other shortcoming concerning past exploration activities in the Maraon Basin has
been its focus on Cretaceous reservoirs. In this and a previous PARSEP study in
Huallaga Basin and surrounding area, it became evident that carbonates of the Pucar
Group represent viable exploration targets in western Maraon Basin. In the south half
of the Maraon Basin for example, there are only four penetrations into the Pucar and all
are located in the southwestern most corner of the Basin. Of these, three intersected the

14

Pucar in a non-prospective supratidal to continental facies and the one well, Shanusi 1X,
which intersected the Pucar in a prospective facies encountered gas bearing porous
carbonates. Our current model has the Shanusi 1X well penetrating a high-energy
intratidal carbonate along a paleo-high trend created by the late Permian to early Triassic
rifting event. This is a potentially productive fairway that may be extrapolated to both
the north and south of the well.
The remaining significant under-explored section in the Maraon Basin is that of the
Paleozoic. Although studied little in this investigation, it is acknowledged that just to the
east across the border in Brazil, a similar section is productive and that similar potential
may exist in the Maraon Basin of Peru.
Through the hydrodynamic study sponsored by PARSEP, it was possible to identify areas
where hydrodynamic tilting occurs. Tilts are expected to be very severe in the western
Maraon Basin where high hydrologic heads can be mapped within the Cretaceous
section, near the highly elevated recharge areas in the fold and thrust belt of the western
Basin margin. The effect diminishes to the east and southeast across the Basin and the
measured data fits closely with what is observed in the fields. Tilted oil/water contacts
have only been found in the productive area of the northern Maraon Basin (Block 1AB
Area) and not in the southern production area (Block 8 Area). Hydrodynamics are
clearly an important component to understanding the dynamics of the petroleum systems
operative in the Basin.
The Maraon Basin Study was intended to be a regional work, integrating as much data
as possible within the Basin to investigate whether new exploration concepts, exploration
fairways, etc., could be defined. It was not intended to be an exploration exercise where
the ultimate goal is in defining drillable prospects. However, prospects and leads did
emerge and identified as the a) Picuro Vivian Prospect, b) Picuro Pucar Prospect, c)
Nutria Prospect, and d) Majaz Prospect. The later two have multiple objectives within
the Cretaceous section.

15

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Maraon Basin Technical Study is the last in a series of reports released by the
PARSEP Group on the evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential of NE Peru. The three
basins evaluated in this study were, the Huallaga, Santiago and Maraon Basins (Figure
1). PARSEP is an acronym for Proyecto de Asistencia para La Reglamentacin del
Sector Energtico del Per and is a joint venture between the governments of Peru and
Canada. The parties comprising PARSEP are: the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA), the Canadian Petroleum Institute (CPI), Teknica Overseas Ltd. (TOL),
and PERUPETRO. The technical work on this project is being done by personal from
TOL and PERUPETRO

Maraon
Basin Study

Figure 1: Areas of investigation of the PARSEP Group Huallaga, Santiago and Maraon Basins, and
intervening areas

Unlike other projects done in this area in recent years, such as the Robertson Research
1990 Study Informe Final Evaluacion Geologica y Geofisica por Hidrocarburos Selva
Peruana, the goal of this project was to complete the interpretation of the study area
utilizing a standardized digital database that could later be exported with ease to any
interested outside party. One of the challenges in the early stages of the Maraon project
was in the gathering and the quality control of the available digital data such as seismic
SEGY data and log curve data. Where digital well data was not available, well curves
were digitized and included in the database. The seismic data interpreted was almost
done exclusively with workstations.
Where SEGY data was not available from
16

Perupetro, paper sections of selected lines were scanned to fill in important holes in the
data set. In only one area, the west central Maraon Basin, were paper copies used
exclusively for interpretation. This was done as no SEGY data was available in this
critical area that was needed to link the seismic interpretation done in the Huallaga and
Santiago Basins together via the Maraon Basin. The horizons from this interpretation
were later digitized and are included as a subset to the workstation interpreted horizons.
All the SEGY data utilized in this project was supplied by Perupetro and was interpreted
primarily on a Schulmberger GeoQuest Workstation. Seismic line tying (bulk shift,
amplitude and phase rotation) was done with Kernel Technologys WinPics and SMAC
seismic interpretation software.
On the geological side, Geographixs and DigiRule software were used extensively for
mapping, well log preparation and cross-section construction, Platte Rivers 1D
BasinMod software was used as our basin-modeling tool and finally, Microsoft Access
was utilized to design a standardized, exportable well database.
Apart from the above-mentioned objectives, a secondary goal of this study is to assist
Perupetro in the promotion of this area to Industry. This includes making
recommendations to Perupetro concerning block size, configuration and location for
tendering purposes.
The PARSEP Team would like to thank Perupetro for their support on this project and for
making all the data so readily available to us, despite our never ending demands for more.
Furthermore we would like to thank CPI for their logistical support, Teknica for their
technical support and finally, CIDA for their financial support and making this project a
possibility.

17

2.0 SCOPE OF PROJECT

When this project was first conceived, it was intended to be a regional geological and
geophysical evaluation of the northeastern Peruvian Sub-Andean Basins focusing on the
identification of new play types. It was hoped not to be a rework of previous Maraon
Basin studies of which there have been a number of excellent ones. The focus was to
examine the Basin in a slightly different manner than others had before in the past.

Paiche 1X

Dorado 1X

ECUADOR

Piraa 1X

Cunambo 1
Arabela 1X

Tangarana 1

Forestal Extension 1
San Jacinto 01

Location of Figure 4

Forestal 01
Shiviyacu Norteste 1
Carmen Central 5X
Carmen 1
Bartra 01
Shiviyacu
01 1X
Pilar
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
Huayuri 19X
Macusari 1X

0 km
Huayuri S 33X

100 km

Tigre 1

Capahuari Norte 1

0 Miles

Jibaro 1X
Capahuari Central 1

Dorissa 01

100 Miles

Jibarito 27X

Capahuari S 01

Jibarito Sur X 1

Ceci X 1
Tambo
1 XD 1
Tambo
Sur

Margarita 1X
Andoas 1
Maynas 1X
Tucunare 1X

Bolognesi 1
Yanez 1

Martha X 1

Huasaga 1

Plantayacu X 1
Valencia 1
Nueva Esperanza 1

Pucacuro 1
Tuncheplaya X 1

Otorongo X 1
Pavayacu X 3
Tigre 131X

Nanay 26X
Huangana102X

Capirona 2X

Intuto 23X

Chapuli X-1
Huitoyacu 2X

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Sungachi 1X
Belen 4
San Juan 1

Chambira 4X

Copal 19X
Corrientes X 1
Aerico 1

Chambira Este 123

Caterpiza 1X

Zorro 1X

Tigrillo 1

Piuntza 1
Limonyacu 1X
Ungumayo 1

Nahuapa 1
Santa Martha 1X

Patoyacu 1

Putuime 1 Dominguza 1

Maranon 110

Mahuaca X 1

Cuinico N 1

Concordia 17X

Nucuray 1

Manseriche 1X
Pupuntas 1X
Diana Mae 1
anguintza 1X

Pauyacu 1
Cuinico S 1

Maranon 22 1

Maranon 1

Yanayacu 2

Pastococha 1X

Bretana 1

Yanayacu Sur 2X

Viracocha X 1

Yarina 1

Envidia 1

Samiria 5X

Zapote 3X
Samiria Sur 3X

Location of Figure 3
Tamanco 1

Yurimaguas 2-1

Tapiche 1
Loreto 1

Palmera 1

Shanusi 1
Santa Elena 1
Palo Seco 1X

La Frontera 1

Santa Lucia 1

Santa Catalina 2X

Orellana 3X

Santa
Santa Clara
1AClara 1
Rayo 1

Figure 2: Map showing location of 2D SEGY Seismic Data set and the new field wildcats utilized in the
Maraon Basin Evaluation

18

The manner in which to do this was through the interpretation of a seamless digital
seismic and well data set, with each being tied to one another combined with an analysis
on the lack of exploratory drilling success in the Basin since the late 1980s.
Supplementing the work done by the PARSEP Group were four additional studies:
Caterpiza 1X

Tigrillo 1

Limonyacu 1X
Ungumayo 1

Mahuaca X 1
Nucuray 1

Manseriche 1X

Pauyacu 1

Maranon 1

Amerada Data
Oceanic Data

0 km

50 km
Yurimaguas 2-1

0 Miles

30 Miles

Shanusi 1

Figure 3: Location of the Amerada and Oceanic data sets in the western Maraon Basin that were
interpreted off of paper copies. The results of this interpretation are included in montages (Enclosures
30a and 30b) outside of the digital data set interpretation.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Magnetic and Gravity: by Erwin Ebner, ELS Consulting

Geochemical: by Hans Von Der Dick, ChemTerra International Ltd.
Tectonic: by Tony Tankard, Tankard Enterprises
Hydrodynamics: by Kaush Rakhit, Rakhit Petroleum Consulting Ltd.

19

Each of the above were focused on looking on the Basin in manner slightly differently
than previous similar studies and with each contributing in varying degrees in this
manner. The first of theses studies is included as a digital data set in Appendix 5 and the
others as Appendix 4a to 4c respectively, in this report.
One of the more time consuming aspects of this evaluation was the standardization and
quality control of the data. Digital curve data was complied and corrected for each of the
New Field Wildcats in the Basin (Figure 2). A composite well for each was constructed,
which if available included a Caliper, SP, Gamma Ray, Deep and Shallow Resistivity,
Density, Neutron and Sonic curve. A series of 9 cross-sections were strung across the
Basin to standardize the stratigraphy that was to be utilized in the geological mapping
module of this project. Where possible, a synthetic for each of the wells made and tied to
seismic.

0 km

50 km
Cunambo 1

0 Miles

50 Miles

Tangarana 1X

Forestal Extension 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
Shiviyacu Norteste 1X
Carmen Central 1X
Carmen 1X
Bartra 1X
Shiviyacu 1X Pilar 1X
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
Huayuri 1X
Macusari 1X
Huayuri S 1X

Tigre 1X

Capahuari Norte 1X
Jibaro 1X
Dorissa 1X

Capahuari Central 1X

Jibarito 1X

Capahuari S 1X

Ceci 1X

Jibarito Sur 1X

Tambo 1X
Tambo Sur 1XD

Margarita 1X

Andoas 1X
Maynas 1X
Tucunare 1X

Yanez 1X

Martha 1X

Huasaga 1X

Plantayacu 1X

Figure 4: Map of the Block 1AB area showing the lack of available SEGY seismic data

The principal seismic data set utilized and interpreted in the project consisted of 22,723
kilometers of 2D SEGY data, which represents coverage throughout most of the Basin
(Figure 2). Despite this abundance of seismic coverage, two very large holes in seismic
data set existed. The first was in the western Maraon Basin where the Oceanic and
Amerada surveys (Figure 3) were not available in digital format and consequently the
interpretation was done off of paper sections.
Subsequent to the completion of the interpretation, most of the Oceanic survey was
received in SEGY format, which has now been incorporated (uninterrupted) into the
PARSEP digital seismic database. The second major hole in seismic coverage was in
area of Block 1AB. Very limited SEGY data was available for this area (Figure 4) and
the navigational data supplied for the location of the other lines was largely unusable.
20

Unfortunately time constraints on the Project did not allow us to correct and interpret this
data set. This was obviously a serious deficiency in the data set as this area contains
many of the producing oil fields of the Maraon Basin.
As part of the standardization process, a number of Maraon Basin wells were renamed
to maintain consistency throughout the PARSEP database. Numerous numbering
systems had been use previously by industry and Petroperu creating inconsistencies in
reference to certain well in later studies. In our system the first well drilled on each
structure has the designation suffix 1X with the X being representative of the wells
exploration status. All subsequent wells increase numerically in sequence and generally
maintain their suffix designation that is currently in place. To avoid any confusion, each
well within the Access database included with this report is referenced to the UWI being
used by Perupetro. All attempts were made in this report to maintain consistency when
referring to wells with this new system. Some, however, were not corrected as such in
some of the earlier work done in the project, due to the magnitude of effort needed to
regenerate maps already finalized. Where this has occurred it is duly noted in the text of
this report.
Due to the significant volume of wells drilled in this Basin it was beyond the scope of
this project to do a comprehensive analysis of all exploratory wells drilled in the Basin as
has been done for the other studies. Instead a study was undertaken as part of this project
to evaluate the wells drilled between 1990 and 2000, and to analyze their results. The
study is summarized in Section 6.0 of this report and a more detailed evaluation on each
individual well is presented in Appendix 3.

21

3.0 PREVIOUS WORK IN THE STUDY AREA

Drilling activity in the sub-Andean Basins of Peru began in 1937 with the drilling of
Agua Caliente #1 to test a mapped surface structure located in the Ucayali Basin. This
well discovered oil pay in Cretaceous Cushabatay Formation at 311 meters. Subsequent
to this during the 40s and 50s, numerous companies were doing fieldwork in the subAndean Basins of Peru and as a result, several more wells were drilled. The next
discovery, however, was not until 1957 with the discovery of the Maquia Field. This was
made by the El Oriente Oil Company just west of the Contaya Arch in the northern
Ucayali Basin bordering on the southern Maraon Basin.
Texaco (Texas Petroleum Co.) was the first company to begin drilling in the Maraon
Basin with the spudding of the Maraon 8-1X well in 1955. They followed this well with
two additional NFW wells between 1956 and 1957. All four wells were dry holes.
Although the Basin didnt experience the drill bit for another 23 years, Mobil Oil drilled
three dry exploratory wells in the neighboring Santiago Basin, an intermountain basin
located to the northwest of the Maraon (Figure 1), in the early 1960s.
With the discovery of significant reserves in the Oriente Basin, the Ecuadorian equivalent
of the Maraon Basin in the late 1960s and early 70s, Petroperu, the national oil
company of Peru was awarded acreage in Maraon Basin in 1971. Shortly thereafter
Occidental Petroleum was awarded Block 1A and Union Oil Block 1B. After a 23-year
drilling hiatus in the Maraon Basin, the Corrientes Field was discovered with
Petroperus first well in the Basin in 1971. As Petroperu was quickly following up their
initial success with a series of other discoveries, Oxys first well in the Basin resulted in
the discovery of the Capahuari field in 1972. Union Oil joined the list of successful
companies with the discovery of the Jibaro Field with their first well. Activity and
discoveries continued at a rapid pace until 1989 after which the Basin experienced a
drilling lull until 1993.
The legal framework, which currently governs the exploration and exploitation of
hydrocarbons, was passed in August 1993. It allows companies to operate under either
Service or License contracts. In January 1994, the Peruvian government set up a new
state agency, Perupetro, to deal with contract negotiations, on the governments behalf,
talking over Pertroperus former role. As a result, industries interest in Peru was
heightened and several new blocks were signed. Activity further increased in 1996,
which also saw the initialization of the privatization process of Petroperu. Although
never completed, Petroperu sold all their producing properties and left the upstream
sector. Drilling and leasing remained active through the rest of 90s. Unlike the earlier
years, however, discoveries were minimal and limited to the three Barrett Resources
heavy oil discoveries, which were found in the northeastern Maraon Basin in 1998.
A chronological listing of new field wildcats drilled in the Maraon Basin and a review
of their results is presented in Appendix 3.

22

4.0 GEOLOGY OF THE MARANON AREA

4.1 GENERAL BASIN DESCRIPTION

The Maraon Basin is a large sub-Andean Basin (Figure 5) extending north from the
Ucayali Basin, through Peru into Ecuador and Colombia where it is know as the Oriente
and Putumayo Basins respectively. The Basins evolution begins in the Late Permian to
Early Triassic with a major extensional event that dissected the underlying Paleozoic
platform and basement rocks into a series of roughly northwest-southeast grabens and
half grabens. In the western extremes, deep rift basins were formed containing sequences
of synrift continentally derived sediments that are overlain by a Triassic to Jurassic-aged
marine to transitional (sabkha) unit dominated by carbonate deposition and evaporites.
This in turn is overlain by regressive continental redbeds of Jurassic age.
ECUADOR
GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

(Oriente Basin)

Tertiary
Cretaceous (ki,kiks,ks)

0 km

50

100

150

200 km
U. Jurassic L. Cretaceous (JsKi)
U.M & L Jurassic (Js,Jm,Ji)
U. Triassic & L. Jurassic (TsJi)
U. Permian (Ps)
L. & U Permian (Pis)
U. & L Carboniferous (CsP,Ci)
Devonian, Silurian, Ordovician
(d,sd,o)

Cambrian (e)
PreCambrian (PeA,PeB)
Evaporite Outcrops

Intrusive

IQUITOS

Maraon
Basin
Santiago
Basin

BRAZIL

Huallaga
Basin

Ucayali
Basin

Figure 5: Geology of the Maraon/Santiago/Huallaga Basin Area

23

The eastern Maraon on the other hand is very different with the remnants of the Late
Permian to Early Triassic extensional event being persevered only as a series of half
grabens (tilted fault blocks) that contain a preserved section of Paleozoic rocks within the
lows with early Cretaceous peneplanation stripping off most if not all, of the intervening
sediments. In the eastern Maraon the amount of preserved Paleozoic rocks beneath the
Cretaceous decreases considerably from south to north to the point where the Cretaceous
is seen overlying rocks of only basement affinity as the border with Ecuador is
approached.
With this acute difference between the western and eastern Maraon Basins, it is easy to
divide the Basin into two distinct regions divided by a major hinge zone. This hinge zone
is identifiable on seismic and with both magnetic (Figure 6) and gravity data (Figure 7).
It represents the line of flexure separating the stable Maraon platform in the east from
the subsiding Basin to the west during the Basins thermal sag phase from Late Triassic
to Jurassic (+Cretaceous?) time and the rapidly subsiding Maraon foredeep during
Tertiary time.
The Maraon Basin started to take on its present-day configuration through a sequence of
tectonic events that spans the Tertiary and culminated in the Miocene to near Recent with
the highly deforming Quechua I, II and III orogenies. The present day western margin
was formed through a complex combination of wrench related high angle faults, basin
inversions and thin-skinned deformation fronts that now separate the Maraon Basin
from the Santiago Basin to its northwest and the Huallaga Basin to its southwest.
4.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY
The geological evolution of the greater Maraon Basin area is controlled by two regional
tectonic systems recognized in the sub-Andean basins of Peru. The first, the pre-Andean
System, encompasses three cycles of Ordovician, Devonian and Permo-Carboniferous
ages overlying the Precambrian basement of the Guyana and Brazilian Shields. The
second, the Andean System, was initiated with the beginning of subduction along the
western margin of Peru. It encompasses several mega-stratigraphic sequences and
numerous minor sedimentary cycles, ranging from Late Permian to the Present. The
stratigraphic column that has been used by PARSEP in the Maraon Basin is
representative of all NE Peru and is presented in Figure 8. The exception to this is when
reference is made to the productive reservoir intervals within the Chonta section and then,
the terminology of the original operator is used.
4.2.1 Pre-Andean System
The pre-Andean System begins with the Ordovician cycle and is represented by the
siliciclastic Contaya Formation. In NE Peru as found within the Maraon Basin, the
Contaya Formation has a thickness of up to 150m A maximum thickness of 4500m,
however, has been reported for the cycle in the Eastern Range of southern Peru. The
Contaya Formation outcrops in the Contaya Mountains of the northern Ucayali Basin and
in the Shira Mountains. Within the Basin itself, it has been drilled by four wells, the
Palmera 1X, Maraon 110-1, La Frontera 1X and Tapiche 1X wells and as with all the

24

Figure 6: Magnetic Intensity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area
Figure 7: Bouguer Gravity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area

25

Corrientes
Maraon
Pebas
Chambira
Pozo Shale
Pozo Sand

Chonta

CRETACEOUS

Vivian

Yahuarango

Oxy

Huallaga

Ucayali

Capas Rojas
Superiores

Ipururo

Santiago

Petroperu

Corrientes
Maraon
Upper Red Beds
Pebas
Chambira
Pozo Shale
Pozo Shale
Pozo Sand
Pozo Sand

Lower Red Beds Yahuarango

Basal Tertiary Upper Vivian

Huchpayacu
Cachiyacu
Cachiyacu
Vivian
Lower Vivian
Pona
Upper Chonta Chonta shale
Lupuna
Upper Cetico
Chonta Lmst Chonta Lmst
Caliza
Chonta Sand
Lower Chonta LowerChontaSand Lower Cetico
Upper Vivian
Huchpayacu
Cachiyacu
Lower Vivian

Pozo

Capas Rojas
Inferiores

Chambira
Pozo Shale
Pozo Sand

Yahuarango

Vivian

Casa Blanca
Huchpayacu
Cachiyacu
Vivian

Chonta

Chonta

Cachiyacu

Nieva
Upper Puca
Pozo

Pozo

TERTIARY

Maraon

Pozo Shale
Pozo Sand

Lower Puca

AGE

PARSEP
NE Peru

Santiago SS

Cachiyacu
Vivian

Chonta

BasalChontaSand

ORD DEV

CARB

PERM

Sarayaquillo

Sarayaquillo

Sarayaquillo

Sarayaquillo

Cushabatay
Sarayaquillo

Red Beds

Agua Caliente Agua Caliente Agua Caliente Agua Caliente

Raya
Raya
Raya
Raya
Cushabatay
Cushabatay Cushabatay Cushabatay

Evaporitic Unit

Condorsinga

Red Beds
Evaporitic Unit

Pucar

Pucar

Pucar

Pucar

Aramachay
Chambara

Pucar

Sarayaquillo

TRIAS
Pucar

JURAS

Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay

Condorsinga
Aramachay
Chambara

Mitu

Mitu

Mitu

Mitu

Mitu

Mitu

Ene
Copacabana
Tarma

Ene
Copacabana
Tarma

Ene
Copacabana
Tarma

Ene

Ene
Copacabana
/Tarma

Ene
Copacabana
?

Ambo

Ambo

Ambo

Cabanillas

Cabanillas

Cabanillas

Contaya

Contaya

Contaya

Copacabana
Ambo

Ambo
Cabanillas

Contaya

Contaya

Basement
Figure 8: Stratigraphic Column of the NE Peruvian basins - highlighted in yellow is the nomenclature
used in this report

26

Maraon Basin Paleozoic penetrations (Table 1), these are located in the east to
southeastern portion of the Basin (Figure 9).
Next in the succession is the Silurian cycle (not present in northern Peru), which is
represented by argillites, flysch and tillites, and can reach thicknesses up to 1000m in
southern Peru (Laubacher, 1978). This depositional cycle ends with an erosional episode
in the Peruvian Oriente that is the result of tectonic movement during the
Caledonian/Taconian Orogeny. The Silurian cycle merges with that of the Devonian,
which is comprised of sediments of the Cabanillas Group that have been deposited in the
Madre de Dios, Ucayali and Maraon Basins. In the south of Peru, Devonian sediments
reach thickness of up to 2000m, while in northern Peru, the maximum thickness attained
is 1000m. Within the study area, rocks of Devonian age have been encountered only in a
minimal number of wells, but only within those drilled along the southeastern margin of
the Basin (Table 1).
Well Name

Ene

Copacabana
Permian
3654
3730
3592
3803
3723
3266
3034

Tarma
Ambo
Carboniferous

Cabanillas Contaya
Devonian Ordovician

Tamanco 1X
Orellana 1X
Zapote 1X
Palmera 1X
3280
3655
Yarina 1X
3288
Palo Seco 1X
3120
Maraon 110-1
2911
3048
3233
La Frontera 1X
2572
2591
2935
Tapiche 1X
3158
3589
Nahuapa 1X
3077
Table 1: List of Maraon Basin wells penetrating the Paleozoic Section and the Formation tops

The Permo-Carboniferous succession rests unconformably over the Devonian Cycle

and/or Ordovician sediments and Basement in the uplifted areas, and has widespread
distribution throughout the Andean Range, the subsurface of the Peruvian eastern basins,
and in the Brazilian Acre and Solimoes Basins. In the Peruvian basins the earliest
Carboniferous sedimentation began with the Ambo Group, which was deposited as
continental to shallow marine, fine-grained sandstones, with interbedded siltstones, gray
shales, and occasional thin coal beds. These sediments are followed vertically by the thin
transgressive, clastic-rich Tarma Formation, which is overlain, usually conformably, by
the normally thick, massive shelf carbonates of the Copacabana Formation.
The Tarma-Copacabana Group is widely distributed in most of the Andean basins. It is
predominantly a marine carbonate sequence although the cycle begins with a basal fineto coarse-grained sandstone, the Green Sandstone Unit. This is overlain by a thick
sequence of dark gray, fossiliferous limestones (wackestones, packstones and
grainstones), and thin interbeds of dark gray shales and anhydrites. The unit contains
several intervals with characteristic fusulinid forams of Permian age. The Copacabana
limestones covered most of Sub-Andean Peru with the exception of the Contaya Arch
and several other structural highs, where the Cretaceous overlies rocks of lower Paleozoic
age. The Copacabana Formation in turn, was conformably overlain by the Ene
Formation, a sequence containing black organic rich shales, dolomites and minor
sandstones. Only three wells in the Maraon Basin have intersected a Tarma/Ambo
section, the Palo Seco 1X, Maraon 110-1, and La Frontera 1X. The Copacabana Group,
27

however has seen a number of penetrations, with the Tamanco 1X, Orellana 1X, Zapote
1X, Palmera 1X, and the Yarina 1X wells all having intersected this sequence. Finally,
the uppermost of the Paleozoic sequences, the Ene Formation has only been penetrated
by the Tamanco 1X and Orellana 1X wells.
Maraon 110-1
- Ambo
- Cabanillas
- Contaya

Nahuapa 1X
- Contaya

Yarina 1X
- Copacabana
- Cabanillas

Zapote 1X
- Copacabana

Tapiche 1X

Tamanco 1X

- Cabanillas
- Contaya

- Ene
- Copacabana

Palo Seco 1X

Palmera 1X

- Tarma

- Copacabana
- Cabanillas
- Contaya

La Frontera 1X
- Ambo
- Cabanillas
- Contaya

BRAZIL

Orellana 1X
- Ene
- Copacabana
0 km

50

100

150

200 km

Figure 9: Location of the Paleozoic penetrations in the Maraon Basin

4.2.2 Andean System

The Andean System was initiated simultaneously with the beginning of the Andean
subduction. A major change in the tectonic regime along the northwestern border of the
South-American plate, promoted isostatic rearrangements. In a global scale, the initial
phase of the Andean System developed during the Pangaea break up (M. Barros & E.
Carneiro, 1991). The development of the Andean subduction zone during late Permian to
early Triassic times is supported by geological information gathered by Audebaud, et. al.
(1976) along the Peruvian Eastern Range, where they recognized a Permo-Triassic
continental volcanic arc. The volcanic Lavasen Formation, which is seen in outcrops
unconformably underlying the Mitu Group to the west of the Huallaga Basin (Serie A:
Carta Geologica Nacional, INGEMMET Bulletin No. 56, 1995) could be a remnant of
this arc. The Lavasen Formation is also found intruding older rocks such as the Ambo
Formation. Its lower member is a volcanic-sedimentary sequence with interbedded red
clastics. The upper member is comprised of thick lava flows and breccias.
In a study done for PARSEP on the Tectonic Framework of Basin Evolution in Peru
(A. Tankard, 2001), Tankard correlates the Juru Orogeny with the onset of our abovedefined Andean System. Towards the end of the Permian, relaxation of the earlier
extensional basin forming stresses that culminated in the deposition of the Ene Formation
were interrupted by a regional uplift and a pronounced unconformity that marks a first
28

Cretaceous

Sarayaquillo
Pucar
Copacabana

Ene

Mitu

Unflattened section
Cretaceous
Sarayaquillo
Pucar

Ene
Mitu

Copacabana

Flattened on Base Cretaceous Unconformity

Cretaceous

Sarayaquillo
Pucar
Mitu

Ene

Copacabana

Flattened on Pucar Formation

Figure 10: Seismic line OR-95-08 in the southwestern most Maraon Basin showing the evolution of a
Late Permian to early Mesozoic extensional basin through the use of different datums (flattenings)
(PARSEP, 2002)

29

order sequence boundary after Ene accumulation (Figure 10). This event is believed by
Tankard (2001) to correspond to the Juru event identified in the Acre and Solimoes
Basins of the Brazilian upper Amazon. Tankard (2001) describes a three-part cycle of
basin formation and sedimentation that is repeated throughout the Phanerozoic of South
America. Typically each cycle consists of (1) an early phase of rift-controlled subsidence
and deposition of relatively coarser-grained clastics, (2) abandonment of individual fault
controlled subsidence and yoking together of the various depocenters into a shallow
eperic basin, and deposition of a widespread cover of finer clastics and potential
petroleum source rocks, and (3) a marked change in the stress fields resulting in structural
inversion, uplift and Orogeny.
The Late Triassic Middle Jurassic tectono-stratigraphic cover accumulated in a
compartmentalized basin complex. This is demonstrated seismically in Figure 10 and on
map form, in Figure 11. The cover succession consists of Mitu red beds in isolation rift
segments, accumulation of finer-grained Pucar clastics, limestones and evaporites, and
termination in the widespread Sarayaquillo blanket. Initiation of subsidence and
deposition of the Mitu Formation is attributed to a process of orogenic collapse following
the late Hercynican Juru Orogeny.
A regional supratidal sabkha environment developed at the transition between the Pucar
and Sarayaquillo Formations, which marks the beginning of the continental and shallow
marine deposition. Mobil Oil recognized the Shaypaya Formation in the early 90s, a
clastic and shale unit underlying the Sarayaquillo Formation above the Pucar. Similarly,
numerous evaporite salt outcrops were observed at this stratigraphic position although
no regional correlations were attempted. As part of their fieldwork in the Huallaga Basin
area the Advantage/Burlington consortium have suggested a new formation name for this
unit, the Callanayacu Formation (Advantage, 2001). In outcrop and the subsurface it has
been described as an extensive deposit of evaporites, mainly anhydrite, gypsum and
minor salt, interbedded with dolostones and limestones. In the Peruvian Fold and Thrust
Belt this evaporitic unit can be traced over a distance of at least 700 km. These deposits
were intersected in subsurface by the Oxapampa 7-1 and Chio 1X wells in the central part
of the Ucayali Basin, and by the Putuime 1X well of the Santiago Basin in its north. In
between, extensive deposits of evaporites have been identified in outcrop in the Huallaga
Basin, and in the Fold Thrust Belt of, and the westernmost Ucayali Basin.
With further regression of the Jurassic sea the Pucar and Callanayacu Formations were
overlain by Middle to Late Jurassic continental red beds of the Sarayaquillo Formation.
A Pucar summary and facies distribution map for eastern Peru is presented in
Enclosure 21a.
Termination of the Sarayaquillo deposition coincides with the end of the Jurassic, which
is represented by the regional Nevadan unconformity over which lies sediments of
Cretaceous age. This is a boundary generally well recognized on seismic, below which,
the Jurassic is seen to thicken westward and locally subcrops with considerable
angularity. Cretaceous deposition was initiated in the greater Maraon/Ucayali Basin
during Neocomian-Aptian times and was characterized by a westerly thickening wedge
of fluvial to marginal clastics occasionally punctuated by carbonate sedimentation.

30

Figure 11: (After Tankard, 2001) Late Jurassic Early Cretaceous paleogeography, showing two
principal styles of basin formation, viz. strike-slip associated extensional basins in which the extensional
normal faults are approximately northward oriented, and NW-oriented strike-slip basins. The locus of
extensional subsidence was between the Contaya and Jambeli-Naranjal-Vuana shear zones. Ac, Acre
basin; bsz, Biabo shear zone; C, Cutucu depocenter; co, Contaya high; csz, Contaya shear zone; H,
Huallaga Basin; ia, Iquitos Arch; jnvsz, Jambeli-Naranjal-Vuana shear zone; jsz, Juru shear zone; lT
ftb, late Tertiary fold thrust belt of the Madre de Dios range; N, Napo depocenter; pa, Paragua shear
zone; psz, Pucalpa shear zone; S, Santiago Basin; sh, Shanusi fault (Chazuta Thrust-PARSEP); U,
Ucayali Basin.

31

The Cretaceous eperic sea deposition terminated during the Late Cretaceous with the
arrival of the first pulses of the Andean Orogeny (Peruvian and Incaic Phases) at which
time through to Middle Eocene time, molasse-styled deposition dominated the Basin.
This was punctuated during the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene by a marine
transgression that resulted in the deposition of the Pozo Formation. Molasse deposition
resumed in the Late Oligocene, which culminated during the Miocene Quechua
deformation and has continued through to the present.

4.3 GEOLOGY MARAON PROJECT AREA

4.3.1 Mapping Project Overview
PARSEP constructed a digital database from geological/geophysical data gathered from
an extensive set of old and recent studies that were made available to the group though
the Perupetro technical archives. It was this database that was used as the basis for the
geological interpretation of the Maraon Basin. The main database consists of wire-line
logs and data from 101 new field wildcats and over 22,000 km of 2D seismic data.
The database was used to prepare cross-sections and regional maps of the Cretaceous
sequence for the entire Basin. The cross-section grid consists of nine regional
stratigraphic sections (Enclosure 1b) and was designed to include as many of the wells in
the Basin as possible (70%). The lines are located as such, that any of the remaining
wells could easily be correlated back to one or more sections. The cross-sections are
presented as Appendices 2A through 2I in this report. The maps based on the correlated
surfaces of the cross-section project, were prepared at a scale of 1:1,000,000 and include
three structural maps (Enclosures 4 to 6), six isopach maps (Enclosures 7 to 12); and two
sand/shale ratio maps (Enclosures 13 and 14).
4.3.1.1 Mapping Method
All mapping done with well data was limited largely to the Cretaceous section, the
objective section of all wells drilled in the Maraon Basin. Detailed mapping of the
lesser-known Paleozoic section in the SE Maraon Basin is left for future studies. Since
most wells drilled through at least the top of the Cushabatay Formation and the seismic
pick for the Base of Cretaceous is an excellent generally unambiguous pick, a very
reliable Cretaceous thickness map could be constructed across the entire Basin. The
Cretaceous sequence in turn was divided into a lower and upper unit separated by the
major maximum flooding surface, which was picked just above the top of the Chonta
Limestone.
This Chonta Limestone is an excellent correlation unit on wireline logs in the western and
northwestern Maraon, the Santiago, and the Huallaga Basins. Structure maps were
prepared on this surface from well data (Figure 12, Enclosure 12) and seismic data
(Enclosure 17), which both show its distribution. Where present, the top of the limestone
was designated the Chonta Limestone Marker (CLM). In the south and eastern portions
of the Basin where the time equivalent units of the limestone are dominated by
siliciclastic deposition, the Chonta CLM was largely a phantomed marker tied to the well
utilizing correlative shale packages, well synthetics and seismic data. The correlation of
the phantom surface is reliable in the northeast, the south and in the area immediate

32

Figure 12: Structure Map on Top of Chonta Limestone showing the depositional edge of the unit
Figure 13: Cretaceous Isopach Map

33

adjacent to the Chonta Limestone wedge (Figure 15). Further to the east in the Nanay
1X, Belen 1X, Nahuapa 1X Maraon 110 area, correlations proved to be more difficult
due to an over abundance of sands relative to correlative shales. In these areas, there was
a heavy reliance on synthetic/seismic correlations to make the CLM pick
The CLM datum was used to hang the nine cross-sections across the Basin (Appendix 2)
and to divide the Cretaceous into an upper and a lower unit, referred as upper and lower
Cretaceous in the isopach and ratio maps (Enclosures 13 and 14 respectively). The sandshale ratio maps were prepared using the Gamma Ray curve, which was available in
almost all wells, and in its absence, the SP curve was used to identify the sandstone beds.
A cut off of 80 GR API units provided good separation of sandstones and shale.
Limestones were included as shales in the construction of these maps. In the northeastern
Maraon the SP was used instead of the GR in the Cushabatay Formation in the Piraa
1X, and Paiche 1X well due to the abundance of radioactive sands (K-feldspar rich)
rendering the GR readings unusable. In addition to the digital well data, the structural
maps enclosed in this study included surface geological data from the Fold Thrust Belt
and seismic information to reflect structuring that was not evident through just the
utilization of wells, at even a regional level. This is most evident in the southern
Maraon Basin, in the vicinity of the Yurimaguas, Shanusi, and Loreto Structures and
along the western mountain front.
4.3.1.2 Cretaceous Isopach Maps
Cretaceous Isopach
The isopach map of the entire Cretaceous sequence (Figure 13, Enclosure 9) shows a
wedge shaped basin with a northwest to southeast orientation and a thickening to the west
and southwest (Appendices 2B, 2D, 2I, and 2F). Cretaceous thickness increases
gradually from 300m in the north and northeast to some 1500m to the west. Thickness
increases goes beyond the present day basinal limits into the Fold Thrust Belt, as some
1500m were drilled in the Ponasillo well in the Huallaga Basin and a composite
Cretaceous thickness in excess of 1500m, is present in the Santiago Basin. The thickest
Cretaceous section in the Maraon Basin aligns itself along an axis with a northwest to
southeast orientation immediately east of the Fold Thrust Belt.
A representation of all Cretaceous formations are present in the explored and drilled
regions of the Basin, with the exception of the Dorado 1X well where an old structural
Basement high restricted deposition of the Cushabatay Formation as seen in the crosssections B, F and I (Appendices 2B, 2F and 2I). Cushabatay deposition resumed to the
north-northeast of this point, in the Paiche 1X well.
Lower Cretaceous Isopach
The Lower Cretaceous isopach (Figure 15, Enclosure 11) includes the Cushabatay, Raya,
Agua Caliente and the lower Chonta Formations up to the top of the Chonta Limestone
Marker. This section shows a rapid thickness increase from 200m in the northeast to
700m to the west and southwest. A uniform thickness of 700 to 860m predominates over
a very large portion of the Basin (Appendix 2G and 2H). Additionally, this unit does not
substantially increase in thickness in the neighboring Huallaga and Santiago Basins,
where an 800m thickness is common. Any significant thickness changes within the
Lower Cretaceous Unit, is in all likelihood reflecting just variations within the
Cushabatay Formation and not the younger sequences.

34

Figure 14: Isopach of the Upper Cretaceous (Top Vivian to Chonta Limestone Marker)
Figure 15: Isopach of the Lower Cretaceous (Chonta Limestone Marker to Base Cretaceous)

35

The Lower Cretaceous unit includes the Chonta Limestone whose eastern limit (Figure
15) is drawn as the Chonta Limestone wedge. There is no apparent relationship between
thickness and aerial distribution of this limestone and the overall thickness of the unit.
Thickness of the Lower Cretaceous increases in a northeast to southwest direction,
whereas an east-west trend is observed for the limestone.
Upper Cretaceous Isopach
The Upper Cretaceous isopach shown in Figure 14 (Enclosure 10) includes the interval
from the Upper Chonta to the top of the Vivian Formation. This unit presents a
gradational thickness increase from 150m in the northeast to 600m in the basinal syncline
to the east of the Fold and Thrust Belt. This regional thickness increase diminishes
notably in the northern Basin, immediately to the west of the Chonta Limestone Wedge
where most of the oil fields are located. This thinning is caused mainly by the
disappearance of the Upper Vivian unit (Appendices 2B and 2D). The unit is also
abnormally thin in the Chambira/Chambira Este/Tuncheplaya area. In the Shanusi and
Yurimaguas well area, the Upper Vivian sand is also missing (Appendix 2G), but an
equivalent shale section replaces it. Significant stratigraphic changes, differential
compaction and/or contemporaneous structural growth may be playing an important role
in the creation of these thickness variations. As this unit contains the prolific Vivian
Formation, these areas are worthy of further investigation. A reference is made on the
map (Enclosure 10) as to the location of the Chonta Limestone Wedge. This is done so
only as a point of reference as it has no apparent influence on the unit thickness.
An anomalously thin Upper Cretaceous north-south trending ridge is present in the
Yanayacu/Samiria area, in the central south portion of the Basin. Whether this is a
geologic phenomenon or one related to a slight miss calibration on the exact stratigraphic
level of the CLM in this area as the reciprocal map on the Lower Cretaceous, shows a
corresponding thick over a good portion of same area. Obviously more work in required
in this area as it contains a proliferation of oils shows and several accumulations. This
area and its hydrocarbon prospectiveness is discussed in considerably more detail in is
Section 7.4.2 & 7.4.3 and in Enclosures 31 and 32.
Vivian Formation Isopach
The Vivian Formation Isopach in the Maraon Basin in Figure 16 shows a regional
thickness increase from 50-100 m in the north/northeast to over 200m in the
south/southwest. Thickness also decreases to 100 m in the SE Maraon creating a
Vivian thick corridor extending from the Belen 1X well in the north to the Santa
Catalina well in the south. The overall thickness of the Vivian in the vicinity of the
Block 1AB oil fields (Figure 19) is thin, largely due to the absence of the Upper Vivian
sand, and typically in the 50m range. In the Block 8 oil fields area (Figure 16) the
interval thickness is considerably more ranging from the 80s in the Nueva Esperanza
area in the north to over 150m in south at Yanayacu. It is worth noting that the principal
productive reservoir in the Block 1AB area is from within the Vivian and in the in the
Block 8 oil fields, from within the Chonta sandstones. Another area with anomalous thin
Vivian is mapped in the undrilled Chambira/Chambira Este/Tuncheplaya area, which was
referred to previously in the preceding description of the Upper Cretaceous Isopach. This
may be a southward projection of the Vivian thin trend noted in Block 1AB to the north.
It should be noted that this study does not consider the Limonyacu 1X well in the western
Maraon as a valid Vivian test until further irrefutable evidence can be presented that will

36

Figure 16: Isopach of the Vivian Formation

Figure 17: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale to the Top of Vivian)

37

Figure 18: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale) to the Chonta Limestone Marker
Figure 19: Structure Map Top of the Vivian Formation

38

support this as having penetrated a full Vivian section. As currently defined within the
Perupetro archived company reports, this well has a Vivian thickness of 33m. This is in
contrast to the neighboring wells, which have Vivian thickness variations from 120 to
over 180m. Furthermore, no such thins were noted in the Santiago Basin where the
nearest wells to west are located. Although long distance seismic correlations from
wells with confirmed Vivian sections to the Limonyacu well are difficult due data
quality, changes of such magnitude within the Vivian are difficult to document
seismically. As a result we have concluded that the Limonyacu well never penetrated or
at least fully penetrated the Vivian section. A further more in depth discussion of this
well is presented in Appendix 3f.
4.3.1.3 Tertiary Isopach Maps
Lower Tertiary Isopach
The Lower Tertiary Isopach map presented in Figure 17 (Enclosure 7) includes the
Yahuarango, Pozo Shale Formations and represents the onset of development of the
Maraon foredeep. The Basin orientation at this time was north-south, more or less
parallel to the present-day alignment of the Santiago Basin and Campanquiz uplift. The
thickest sedimentary fill during this time lies adjacent to the Campanquiz uplift and to the
north of the Huallaga Basin. Thinning to the east and away from the rising Andean
Mountains is uniform from 1200m to the 250m.
Lower Tertiary to Upper Cretaceous Isopach
This isopached interval is shown in Figure 18 (Enclosure 8) and represents a summation
of two previously discussed Isopach maps, the Upper Cretaceous (Figure 14) and the
Lower Tertiary (Figure 17), including all formations from top of the Pozo Shale to the top
of the Chonta Limestone Marker. The combined Isopach map shows a basin with a
north-south orientation in the southern half changing to NNW-SSE orientation in the
northern half. Thickness values decreases uniformly from near 1700m east of the
Santiago Basin to 450m to the east in the northern half of the Basin. A regional stable
platform is seen to be developing to the southeast and east in the Basin beyond the 750m
contour, relative to subsiding Tertiary Basin to the west. One of the major significances
of this map is that it represents the paleo-structure of the Maraon Basin during the
second major Pucar, and first Chonta oil expulsion and migration into the Basin (CTI,
2000). To supplement this map, a Pozo to Base Cretaceous Isochron (Figure 42,
Enclosure 19) was constructed utilizing all the available seismic data in the Basin. This
later map has a considerable higher resolution with respect to mapping paleostructuration during this important period of hydrocarbon migration and consequently
was the one utilized in the Maraon Basin Hydrodynamic study.
4.3.1.4 Structure Maps
Three structural maps on top of Vivian, Chonta Limestone Marker and Cushabatay are
presented in Enclosures 4, 5 and 6. As all maps show roughly the same structural
characteristics, which are described below, only the Vivian structure map (Figure 19) is
presented in the body of this report.
The structural characteristics common to all mapped intervals are as follows:

39

A regional northwest to southeast structural orientation to the Basin with the

deepest sector located adjacent to the Santiago Basin in the northwest, south of
the Ecuadorian border, reflecting the principal Late Tertiary depocenter. Along
the gently structured northern flank, this trend parallels the Iquitos Arch which
represents the eastern limit to Maraon Basin, and along the highly structured
southern flank, it parallels the alignment of the Cushabatay Mountains and the
Contaya Arch
The regional northwest to southeast uniform structural gradient in the northern
half of the basin is cut in the Pavayacu/Corrientes area. This structural feature
extends in subsurface from Vivian to Cushabatay, but it is best expressed at the
Vivian level (Figure 19).
A highly structured southwest Maraon Basin where the Loreto and Yurimaguas
structures, align in an east/west trend and the Shanusi, Santa Catalina and
Orellana structures in a northwest/southeast trend paralleling Fold Thrust Belt
from which they are separated by a deep trough.

4.3.1.5 Cretaceous Sand/Shale Ratio Maps

Two sand/shale ratio maps were made for the Maraon Basin. This first is of the Lower
Cretaceous section (Figure 20, Enclosure 14), which excludes the Cushabatay section, as
this formation was not fully penetrated by a large number of wells. Fortunately as the
Cushabatay is almost always 100% sand, its inclusion would not significantly influence
the interpretation of the final map. The second map (Figure 14, Enclosure 13) was of the
Upper Cretaceous section as isopached in Figure 21. The general sand-shale distribution
of the Cretaceous is further depicted in the nine stratigraphic sections presented in
Appendices 2A through I. As expected these ratios show a regional westward decrease
of sand content towards the deep Maraon Basin and high sand concentration in the
eastern portion due to the more proximal location of the Brazilian/Guiana Shield, the
source of the terrigenous clastic sediments of the Cretaceous.
Lower Cretaceous Sand/Shale Map
The Chonta Limestone Marker to Top Cushabatay sand-shale ratio map (Figure 20,
Enclosure 13) reflects an overall transgressive event that culminates more or less with the
deposition of the Chonta Limestone, and shows a decrease in sand deposition from east to
west along an almost north-south trend. This trend is punctuated by several significant
anomalies. The largest of these is a sand rich section centered on the Yarina 1X well in
the southwest Maraon Basin. This anomaly probably represents a major deltaic
depositional system that was the major supplier of siliciclastic material in the Maraon
Basin in post-Cushabatay time. The influence of this major deltaic system diminishes to
the south as the Santa Elena 1X well is approached, which was drilled within a marine
reentrant separating the Yarina delta from the much smaller system defined by the La
Frontera 1X well. This later feature roughly aprons the Contaya Arch and to some degree
probably reflects ancestral growth on this structure.
The northern-most influence of the Yarina delta is marked by the marine reentrant
defined by the Bolognesi 1X, Arabela 1X and Tangarana 1X wells. The Paiche anomaly
reflects the positive basement features and the rapid thinning of the entire Lower
Cretaceous section in this area and the proximity of a major sand source. The Dorado
well (Appendix 2F) for example was drilled on a basement high and consequently
encountered a very thin Lower Cretaceous section. The map clearly shows the eastern
40

Figure 20: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Lower Cretaceous (excluding the Cushabatay Formation)
Figure 21: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Upper Cretaceous

41

Oil fields of Lower Chonta reservoirs are located in areas with a 0.2 to 0.65 sand-shale
ratio in Block 1AB where the Lower Chonta reservoirs are secondary in importance
relative to the Vivian reservoirs, and with ratios of 0.6 to just over 1.0 in Block 8
(including the Pastococha/Samiria Area), where they are the principal reservoirs.
Upper Cretaceous Sand/Shale Map
The Top Cretaceous to Chonta Limestone Marker sand/shale map (Figure 21, Enclosure
13) unlike its lower counterpart shows a rather uniform distribution of sand disbursement.
Again, the sandiest faction is centered on the Yarina 1X well indicating that this region
was a significant source of clastics throughout the Cretaceous. Unlike in Lower
Cretaceous section, however, the influence to the north (Paiche) and south (La Frontera)
as a clastic source has vanished and the entire eastern Basin from the Santa Elena 1X to
the Nanay 1X wells represents an area of very high sand input.
This map represents the composite effect of individual stratigraphic variations in the
upper Chonta to Vivian Formations of which some are discussed below in a little more
detail.
The 1:1 sand/shale ratio (contour 1.0) has an approximate north/south orientation
throughout the Maraon Basin. To its east, the Upper Cretaceous interval becomes
progressively one sandstone body as all the Chonta and Vivian sands coalesce. To the
west, the upper Chonta Formation is predominated by a more distal marine facies as seen
by the increase of shale content as in the cross-sections B-B, G-G and E-E
(Appendices 2B, 2G, and 2E), and shale and limestone as in cross-section D-D
(Appendix 2D) north of the Jibarito Sur well.
Through a good portion of the northern and western Maraon Basin the Vivian can be
divided into an Upper and Lower sand punctuated by a well-developed shale interval.
This middle shale unit disappears and the Vivian Formation becomes a massive
sandstone unit to the east when ratio values of 1.0 or greater are met and to the southsoutheast (north of the Contaya Arch) with ratio values of 0.5 or more.
Most of the oil fields producing from the prolific Vivian Formation are located in the
Block 1AB area, which typically has a sand/shale ratio in the range of 0.1 to 0.4. In the
Block 8 production area where the Vivian is of secondary importance from an economic
viewpoint, the sand/shale ratios are in the 0.6 to 1.0 range.
4.3.2 Stratigraphy of the Maraon Area
An attempt was made to standardize the stratigraphy of the Maraon Basin (Figure 8),
which has been the recipient of numerous stratigraphic naming systems in the past. The
most notable two are the Oxy and the Petroperu systems, which are also presented in
Figure 5. Several other systems such as those used in the southwest Maraon Basin and
the neighbouring Santiago Basin, have surfaced in literature and company archived files,
and have influenced formation nomenclature. When conducting a regional study such as
this with its associated digital database, it is imperative to main consistency to facilitate
mapping and interpretation. The PARSEP system used is largely an amalgamation of the

42

Figure 22: West to east composite seismic line through the Maraon Basin showing several cycles of
Pozo deposition

43

Oxy and Petroperu systems favouring that of Petroperu, and hopefully this has eliminated
any ambiguities that may have existed in previous comparisons.
This study was not planned to be a complete rework of the many excellent studies done
on the Maraon sedimentary sequences, particularly that of the Cretaceous, but rather one
in, which the focus was on issues not necessarily documented previously, or where
previous assumptions/conclusions were found to be contradictory or in question by
means of the PARSEP evaluation of the data. The overall goal, however, was to take any
new concept should it emerge, and apply it in such a way that it was possible to enhance
the petroleum potential of the Basin. To some degree this study succeeds in this
objective and is discussed in the following section but with the following caveats.
Unfortunately, the degree of investigation that needs to be utilized to fully understand
some of the insights put forth in this report, are beyond the scope, time and budget
allocated to this project and should be the basis of future work. In several instances
observations and conclusions came out the data that do not necessarily have much impact
on the petroleum potential of the basin. These also are presented below to further the
understand the stratigraphy of the Maraon Basin
The following section summarizes and/or highlights aspects of the four Maraon Basin
mega-sequences, Tertiary, Cretaceous, Late Triassic to Jurassic (Rift/Sag Phase), and
Paleozoic.
4.3.2.1 Tertiary
The Tertiary section was not examined in great detail due to its lack of economic
significance. Nonetheless one particularly interesting observation was made concerning
depositional cycles within the Pozo Formation from seismic data. The Pozo shale, the
result of an Oligocene regional marine flooding event, when coupled with the underlying
Pozo Sandstone, forms one the strongest seismic events in the Maraon Basin. More
importantly, this reflector is the shallowest mappable marker in the Basin and is
representative of the time interval at which the principal period of oil expulsion and
migration occurred.
The Pozo Shale/Sand has always been considered to be representative of the standard
time horizon from which to datum both well and seismic correlations. From seismic data
it now appears that the Pozo is in fact time transgressive across the basin going older in
the east, to younger in the west. This is best displayed on the composite seismic line
displayed in Figure 22 where three cycles can be identified. More work needs to done to
tie several of these strong Pozo reflectors back to wells to further confirm this
observation. In the one case where this was done, the Macusari 1X well (Enclosure 29),
there appeared to be a good correlation of the Pozo sand back to seismic to support this
hypothesis.
Of particular interest is the transition from Pozo cycle 2 to cycle 3. This shift is
coincidental with a major flexure point within the Maraon Basin (Figures 6 and 7)
which in Enclosure 29 has been referred to the Principal Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault.
It is along this trend that many stratigraphic changes within the Cretaceous have been
noted and a trend that is coincidental with much of the oil accumulations found to date in
the Basin. Its therefore not difficult to envision that this tectonic feature was active

44

intermittently throughout geological time and at least one episode being coincidental with
Pozo deposition.
All this being said, care should be taken when correlating wireline logs across extensive
distances within the Maraon Basin utilizing the Pozo interval as a time horizon.
One other issue that need further discussion with respect to the Tertiary in the context of
this study is that of the basal Tertiary and its contact with the Cretaceous. In the 1AB
area (Figure 4), the uppermost productive sand encountered was referred to by Occidental
as the Basal Tertiary. This nomenclature was later continued further to the northeast into
the Dorado, Piraa and Paiche wells of Block 67 by Barrett Resources. Petroperu
throughout the exploration and development of the Maraon Basin referred to the same
interval as the Upper Vivian, thereby implying a Cretaceous age. This later nomenclature
is also the same one utilized by the PARSEP Group.
The contact between the Cretaceous and the Tertiary is very ambiguous in the Peruvian
sector of the greater Maraon/Oriente Basin. In Ecuador, particularly in the northern
Oriente, this same contact is documented as being highly erosive, stripping off the Vivian
sandstone equivalent (M1 sandstone) in its entirety. Such a contact has been difficult to
ascertain in Peru and in many areas, it is treated as being conformable.
4.3.2.2 Cretaceous
As it would be difficult to expand on the excellent studies done to date on the Cretaceous
stratigraphy in the Maraon Basin the reader is referenced to such works as Robertson
Researchs Petroleos Del Per (1990) and Diaz (1999). The objective of this PARSEP
study was to correlate time units across the Basin that could be tied back to seismic. This
proved to be more difficult than first envisioned due to the problems in identifying a time
datum across the entire Basin. The methodology to do so and the results are described in
detail in the preceding section 4.3.1. Within the context of the regional cross-section grid
and geological mapping that was done for this project, it was impossible to examine the
subtle details of the Cretaceous stratigraphy that are needed to further understand its
importance in defining hydrocarbon trapping geometries. A study examining producing
fields needs to taken utilizing all development wells and all seismic. Presently over most
fields, 3D seismic surveys are available. Through the length of this study, development
digital well data and 3D seismic data was collected to further supplement the Maraon
Basin database in preparation for future studies. An earlier attempt was made to
incorporate such development well data but lack of confidence in the bottom hole
location data that was available at that time, of the many deviated wells, and time
constrains, prevented much more than a cursory look at the problem.
The remainder of this section focuses on aspects of Cretaceous stratigraphy that have
been through this study, identified as enigmatic, or aspects that when better understood,
may influence future hydrocarbon exploration of the Basin.
One of the more important observations made in this study are the changes in Cretaceous
stratigraphy across major structural features that would indicate them to have syndepositional influences. Most of the industry generated reports presented on the Maraon
Basin focus on post-Cretaceous structuration and in particular post-Cretaceous and prePozo structures for reasons of early hydrocarbon entrapment which is discussed in more

45

detail later in Section 7.3. Virtually nothing to date has been recorded on structures
contemporaneous with Cretaceous sedimentation and how a better understanding of this
mechanism may lead to future discoveries. The two notable examples of this in the
Basin as well as one example in the Santiago Basin are presented below. This is followed
by a discussion on the Vivian - Chonta contact and the enigmatic Limonyacu 1X in the
western Maraon Basin which intersected an anomalously sand poor section in the Upper
Cretaceous. Finally the section is concluded with a description on an anomalous
carbonate (reefal?) build-up associated with the Chonta Limestone that is noted on 3D
seismic data in the Tambo-Tucunare area.
Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault
Figure 23 is an example of a character change within a package of Cretaceous reflectors
just above the Chonta Limestone that may have significance regionally across the
Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault (Figures 6 and 7). This figure is an extract from
Enclosure 29 to which the reader may refer for the exact location of line OXY-23. The
strongest and most consistent reflector in this area is the Chonta Limestone and is
highlighted on Figure 23. Above this reflector, are two peaks (coloured red), which are
highlight by a blue (bottom) and a red (upper) arrow. As the fault to the right (east) is
approached, the Cretaceous section thins, the two peaks coalesce and become one at the
yellow arrow, almost exactly at the fault. This represents a major stratigraphic change
within the Chonta section and probably impacts significantly on the areal distribution of
Chonta aged reservoirs along this trend.

Agua Caliente
Chonta Limestone

Base Cretaceous

Figure 23: Seismic Line OXY-23 across the Maraon Basin Hingeline fault showing its influence on
Cretaceous deposition

Clearly this is an example where the Hingeline Fault can be documented to be active
during, and influencing Cretaceous deposition. As the overall hingeline trend is
coincidental with the major production in the Maraon Basin, the potential importance of
the observation noted above is discussed in the context of understanding further the

46

hydrocarbon distribution in the Basin and implications for future exploration, in Section
7.
Maraon Basin Cretaceous Rifting
Only one example of significant extensional tectonics contemporaneous with Cretaceous
deposition has been noted in the Maraon Basin. This occurs in the northwest part of the
Basin and has been previously referred to as the Situchi Fault system by Arco (1996).
This is a west-northwest trending system that was clearly extensional during the
Cretaceous and the early Tertiary. The Late Tertiary Quechua orogeny later inverted
much of this trend giving it, its present day configuration (Enclosure 18). Similar type
tectonics has been well documented in the Santiago Basin to the west of the Situchi
Graben and has been attributed to transtensional wrench tectonics (PARSEP 2001a).
Others have implied (per. com.) that tectonics in this area have been the result of salt
movement and extensional features such as observed in the Situchi Graben, are the result
of salt withdrawal. Upon examination of the documented diapirs in this area, the so
called salt anomalies have been redefined simply as bad data zones over transpressional
wrench features, similar to the ones described by PARSEP (2001) in the Santiago Basin.
A seismic example of the Situchi Fault is presented in Figure 24, which shows a time
section and a Pozo Reflector Flattened section of line OXY-9. Expansion in the Pozo to
Base Cretaceous interval from east to west across the fault is to up 450ms. Just within
the Vivian to Chonta Limestone, well over 100ms of expansion can be seen into the fault.
The effect on stratigraphy this Cretaceous to Early Tertiary growth fault had, is unknown,
as no wells have yet been drilled on this feature. It is not hard to imagine that an
anomalously thick section of Late Cretaceous aged Vivian sandstone being deposited
within the rapidly subsiding Situchi Graben, and thereby presenting itself as a very
attractive drilling target over the present day structure closure.
Santiago Basin Cretaceous Rifting
One other area, that needs further discussion on the subject of Cretaceous syn-deposition
extensional tectonics, is an area to the southwest of the Situchi Graben, in the northern
Santiago Basin (Figure 25). Although outside the Maraon Basin and the area of this
report, this area is important as it reinforces the interpretation of tectonically active zones
during Cretaceous deposition and the development of a counter-regional trend that is
contradictory to what has typically been documented for the Cretaceous in the greater
Maraon/Oriente Basin.
The north-south seismic line GSI-50-105 is located in the northern-most area of seismic
acquisition in the Santiago Basin. What makes this line unique relative to others in the
Santiago Basin, is that it was acquired in a syncline paralleling two major, north to south
trending anticlines and consequently, imaged a relatively untectonized section. Unlike
the other lines that were oriented to intersect structures, Line GSI-50-105 allowed a
continuous uninterrupted stratigraphic sequence within the Santiago Basin to be
interpreted across some 40 km. It is clearly evident that there is a dramatic thinning of
the Cretaceous section from south to north across several apparent east-west down to
south normal faults. The thin northern section is the anomalous section, as regionally the
Cretaceous should be increasing in thickness through this area. This one line defines
what appears to be a significant paleo-high during late Cretaceous time in the northern
Santiago Basin. As there is no seismic north of line GSI-50-105, the impact of how this

47

Figure 24: Seismic line OXY 9 across the Situchi Graben showing evidence of transtensional tectonics
that were active in the northwest Maraon Basin during Cretaceous to Early Tertiary time.

48

Figure 25: A seismic example from the Santiago Basin demonstrating Cretaceous syn-depositional
extensional tectonics. Note the dramatic thinning of the Cretaceous section from south to north.

49

high may have affected depositional patterns of Cretaceous is presently unknown and
further studies are suggested for this area.
Vivian/Chonta Contact
Upon examination of any of the several west to east cross-sections included within
Appendix 2, such as I-I (Appendix 2i) across the Maraon Basin, the Cretaceous is seen
to thicken dramatically to the west. In part this is due to continued basin subsidence
during deposition west of the Maraon Basin Hingeline fault (Figure 6). The other
reason is the time transgressive nature of the Cretaceous. Within the Chonta Marker to
Base Cretaceous section, the transgressive sequence of the Cretaceous, the Cushabatay
becomes younger from west to east. Within the regressive Upper Cretaceous section we
have the opposite occurring with the Vivian sandstones prograding in a southeast to
northwest direction out across the Basin. The Vivian, as is the Cushabatay, are both time
transgressive and generally continuous throughout the region. Vivian sands of the
eastern Maraon Basin would therefore be time correlative to Chonta shales in the west.
The significance of this is that each Vivian progradational cycle may represent a group of
amalgamated sand bodies that may create stratigraphic trapping possibilities. This is
particularly true if each is punctuated by a minor transgressive event depositing a
potentially sealing shale unit. An example of such a relationship is presented in Figure
26.
NNW

CapSur 24

SSE

CapSur 9

CapSur 28

CapSur 29

CapSur 22

Tambo 1

Tambo 4

TamboSur 1

Tucunari 1
Tucunare

Figure 26: Cross-Section from Capahuari Sur to the Tucunare well showing the prograding
relationship of the Vivian and Upper Chonta Formations

Limonyacu 1X Well
Of importance to future exploration efforts in the western Maraon Basin is based on the
understanding of the results of the Limonyacu 1X well (Appendix 3l). The Limonyacu
well is interpreted (Oxy) as having intersected an Upper Cretaceous section through to
the Chonta Formation. The section encountered had an anomalous absence of Vivian
Sandstone and consisted primarily of shales and siltstone. This being the case, the
Limonyacu well would be one of a unique few in the Basin without Vivian sand

50

Figure 27: Location of Tambo 3D (southern Block 1AB area)

Figure 28: Amplitude time slice through Tambo 3D survey 475ms below a flattened Pozo datum
showing location of composite seismic line
Figure 29: Composite 3D line through two buildups associated with the Chonta Limestone, with Pozo
datum
Figure 30: Carbonate anomalies detailed and datumed on near Base Chonta Limestone.
Figure 31: As in Figure 30 above but displayed as an instantaneous amplitude section

51

development. The only other example known by PARSEP in the Basin, is the Nueva
Esperanza 92 well, although in the offsetting Nueva Esperanza 93 and 1X (74X) there
was full Vivian sand development. Two possible explanations that can be used to
explain the Limonyacu well are as suggested by Oxy, poor sand development within the
Vivian section, or the well was misinterpreted and the Vivian section was not reached. It
is the later of these two explanations that is favoured for the following reasons.
1. The presence of Vivian sandstone in all surrounding wells in both the Maraon
and Santiago Basins, and in outcrops along the Basins border.
2. A strong mappable hydrodynamic flow within the Vivian Formation from the
outcrop area in the west, eastward into Basin and through to the Basin margins
(Appendix 4c), indicating a blanket nature to the Vivian Sandstone occurrence.
3. A consistent increase in salinity from west to east suggests a westerly freshwater
recharge area (Appendix 4c), which again supports the blanket nature of the
Vivian sand as suggested by point 2.
4. As the Limonyacu well was drilled in one of the deeper areas of the Basin it is
possible that an expanded section of Upper Cretaceous (Huchpayacu and or
Cachiyacu Formations) was encountered, the result of more pronounced
subsidence in this part of the Basin, at this time. Due to the thicker Upper
Cretaceous section encountered, the Vivian may have been misinterpreted to be
higher than it actually was.
If, however the Limonyacu well did in fact intersect the Vivian Formation it is suspected
that the analogy to the Nueva Esperanza area can be made using the above points as
support and that the Vivian should be encountered only a short distance away.
Cretaceous aged Carbonate build-ups in the Maraon Basin
In area of the Tambo Field (Figure 27), Occidental acquired a 3D seismic survey in 1996
that PARSEP had an opportunity to review late in its study of the Maraon Basin. What
makes this survey significant, are anomalous carbonate build-ups associated with the
Chonta Limestone (Figures 29 to 31). These anomalies are oval in shape, elongated and
aligned approximately parallel to Basin Hingeline as depicted in Figure 15, which shows
the paleo-configuration of the Basin at this time. These anomalies are postulated to be
patch reefs that nucleated on the surface of the Chonta Limestone. To our knowledge
similar type features have never yet been documented elsewhere in the Maraon Basin as
of yet. Obviously more work needs to be done on these features, to further understand
their origin and what effect they have had on the depositional patterns of the overlying
Chonta and Vivian. Perupetro/PARSEP currently has proposed such an evaluation, for
the following year, with its ongoing studies in the Maraon Basin.
4.3.2.3 Jurassic (Sarayaquillo Fm) to Triassic (Mitu)
Sarayaquillo Formation
Within the Sarayaquillo Formation of the Maraon Basin, a seismic event has been
identified by PARSEP that represents a significant, previously, undocumented tectonostratigraphic event, which we refer to simply as the Intra-Sarayaquillo Event. This event
is particularly strong in the southern portion of the Basin and is best displayed on the
composite seismic line shown in Figure 32. The event represents an angular
erosional/depositional surface that separates the seismically homogeneous Lower
Sarayaquillo from that of the more reflective Upper Sarayaquillo package.

52

The Lower Unit is represented by a thick, northeast to north-trending wedge of sediments

up from the Contaya Arch (Figure 33). The thick of the Upper Unit parallels that of the
Lower Unit but is offset to its west (Figure 34). The interpretation by PARSEP is that
the Lower Unit represents an alluvial wedge of sediments deposited on the downthrown
side a major fault scarp formed by significant ancestral movement on the Contaya arch
and associated paralleling faults the Contaya Shear Zone of Tankard (2001) (Figure 11)
during early Sarayaquillo times. Further uplift resulted in the deposition of a second

Chonta

Cushabatay

Datum Base Cretaceous

Intra-Sarayaquillo

Pucara

Mitu
Paleozoic

Figure 32: Composite Seismic Line in the southern Maraon Basin showing the inter-Sarayaquillo
event separating the Upper and Lower Sarayaquillo Units.

wedge, the Upper Sarayaquillo Unit located to its west. This fault movement is believed
to be wrench related and the one of the controlling factor in the separation of the
Maraon and Ucayali Basins.
Within the Sarayaquillo section, several significant porous sand bodies have been noted.
One was identified in outcrop along the Huallaga River where its depositional
environment was interpreted to be of an eolian origin. The other was within the Orellana
1X well in the southern Maraon where the sand was found directly overlying the Pucar
Formation. The reader is referred to an earlier PARSEP Study on the Huallaga Basin
(PARSEP 2002) for further details on this unit.

53

Figure 33: Isochron Map of the Lower Sarayaquillo Unit

Figure 34: Isochron Map of the Upper Sarayaquillo Unit

54

Pucar Group
The Pucar Group represents an economically important sedimentary sequence that was
deposited from upper Triassic to lower Jurassic times. It is divided into three formations
in the outcrops of the fold and thrust belt, which from oldest to youngest are the
Chambara, Aramachay and Condorsinga Formations and all three are recognized along
the northern and central Andes of Peru. The reader is referred to the PARSEP Study on
the Huallaga Basin (PARSEP, 2002) for a more in depth review of the Pucar Group and
from which much of the following section has been modified.
The Pucar overall, represents the maximum flooding event of a major mega-sequence
with the Chambara and lower Aramachay Formations forming the lower transgressive
cycle and the upper Aramachay and Condorsinga/Sarayaquillo Formations forming the
upper regressive cycle. The Condorsinga Formation is overlain conformably by the
newly defined (Advantage, 2001), predominantly evaporitic, Callanayacu Formation or
by red beds of the Sarayaquillo Formation. An example of the later is evident in the
Shanusi 1X well (Figure 36). Just south of the Maraon Basin in the northern Ucayali
Basin, westward progradation of this upper cycle and the facies transition between what
we interpret to be the Condorsinga equivalent in the subsurface of the Ucayali Basin and
Sarayaquillo Formation, is clearly evident in seismic line CP-739802 of Coastal as
displayed in Figure 35.

Base Cretaceous Unconformity

Sarayaquillo Fm

Paleozoic
Pucar

Figure 35: Coastal seismic line CP-739802 flattened on the Base Cretaceous Unconformity showing
westward progradational relationship between the Sarayaquillo and Pucar sequences. See Figure 33
for location.

As part of our regional evaluation of the Pucar, which extends well beyond the limits of
the study area of the Maraon Basin, a facies distribution map has been constructed and
is presented in Enclosure 21a. This map represents an interpreted distribution of facies
from the upper part of the Pucar Group during Lower Jurassic time. This map was
generated utilizing most of the information currently available on the Pucar and
Sarayaquillo formations, in addition to an extensive array of data that included seismic
55

and well files (logs, reports, etc.), field sections, published papers, personal communications, etc. were also incorporated. An isochron of the Pucar formation showing
its distribution independent of facies is presented in Enclosure 22b and Figure 36.
The eastern Pucar shoreline was irregular in shape and had roughly a NS trend to it
with the hinterland being located to the east. As interpreted by some, the Pucar
depression was a restricted basin partially isolated from the open sea by early positive
movement on the NWSE trending proto-Maraon high that acted as a subtle barrier
during basin development. An alternative explanation and the one supported by this
study, is that the basin was segmented into a series of smaller wrench related restrictive
depocenters and that a good percentage of the deposited evaporites were the result of
sabkha deposition.

Potential
productive
reservoir facies
trend

Map area
shown in
Figure 37

Pucar Gas discovery in

the Shanusi 1X well
Figure 36: Isochron Map of the Pucar Group in the Maraon Basin

56

Seismic line DX-31

shown in Figure 38

Shanusi
1X Well

Figure 37: Isochron map of Chonta to Paleozoic/Basement interval showing paleo-highs and lows in
the vicinity of Shanusi and Loreto wells that would have had an influence on the deposition of the
Pucar Formation.

Depositional patterns and facies distributions of the Pucar were probably greatly
influenced by pre-existing structural features. An example of such a feature is found
within the study area approximately 30 kilometers north of the Tiraco Dome. The
Shanusi 1X well (Figure 37) intersected a porous and predominantly dolomitic section in
the upper Pucar Group that we interpret to be representative of an intertidal depositional
environment. What appears to be of depositional significance is that this section is
located on a paleo-horst block that was a positive feature during Pucar time (Figure 38),
just to the west of the synclinal axis of the Jurassic basin of the proto-Maraon (Figure
36). It is interpreted that the eastern graben may have acted as clastic sink allowing
uninterrupted shallow marine carbonate deposition along the Shanusi Horst.
One of the initial enigmas encountered while studying the Huallaga area (PARSEP,
2001) was the mode of occurrence of the salt mapped on the Ingemmet geological
quadrangle map sheets, on which all occurrences of salt are referred to as domes.
Further investigations and inquiries indicated that much of this salt was in fact bedded
evaporites composed of gypsum and anhydrite, with minor amounts of salt and
sediments. These observations were supported by a PARSEP sponsored field trip to the
Huallaga area in late 1999 and 2001, and by the fieldwork done by Advantage Resources
on Block 87 (Advantage, 2001). Furthermore in almost all instances the salt exposed
on surface, is found in the same stratigraphic position, in contact with the Sarayaquillo
Formation. We therefore consider much of the so called salt to be sabkha related
evaporitic beds that are non-diapiric in occurrence and in their original stratigraphic
position. Progressively decreasing in age from east to west, this time transgressive
evaporitic unit has the significance of potentially providing an excellent seal to the
Pucar carbonate reservoirs from the overlying Sarayaquillo and Cretaceous aged
57

formations. As stated previously, this interval has been designated the Callanayacu
Formation by Advantage Resources (2000).
Shanusi 1X

Loreto 1X

Paleozoic/Basement

Paleozoic/Basement

Paleozoic/Basement

Figure 38: Series of flattenings across the Mitu graben located east of the Shanusi well (Figure 37).

Mitu
The Mitu Formation is considered to be the syn-rift sequence associated with the initial
opening of the proto-Maraon Basin. Within the Maraon Basin and surrounding areas it
is deposited in a series of grabens (Figures 10 and 37) formed within a rifted Paleozoic
section. From observations made during PARSEP sponsored field trips, the contact
between it and the overlying Pucar is conformable in several locations implying the two
are part of the same mega-sequence. However, in most literature and published
stratigraphic columns, the Mitu is often described as an unconformity bound unit and
depositionally, separate from the Pucar Group.
One additional point needs to be emphasised regarding the Mitu and it is as follows. In
many of the wells drilled beyond the boundaries of the mapped Sarayaquillo
depositional/erosional edge (Figures 33 and 34), well reports often describe the red bed
sequences underlying the Cretaceous, as being Sarayaquillo in age. As the Sarayaquillo
edge is a very mappable surface geophysically, such an age for these sediments well to
the east of this edge, is difficult to support. As an alternative, we suggest these easterly
red bed sequences are largely of Mitu age and are all that remain of the Upper PermianEarly Triassic rift basins that were deeply eroded by Cretaceous peneplanation.
4.3.2.4 Paleozoic
Little work was done on the Paleozoic section other than to map the top of the Cabanillas
(Enclosure 23) and Contaya (Enclosure 24 and Figure 39) Formations, geophysically in
the southern Maraon Basin where thick sequences are preserved in an extensive series
58

of half-grabens beneath either the Mitu-Pucar-Sarayaquillo or Cretaceous

unconformities. The distribution of the mappable Paleozoic preserved section is
displayed in a TWT Structure Map on the top of the Contaya shown in Figure 39.
Maraon Well penetrations into the Paleozoic section from which the geophysical
mapping was correlated to, are shown in Figure 9.
For more information on the Paleozoic section the reader is referred to studies done by
Anadarko (1995), Enterprise (1997), and San Jorge (1999).

Seismic Line
shown in
Figure 40

Extension of the
Solimoes Basin
westward in to Peru
from Brazil

Figure 39: TWT Structure Map on the Contaya showing the distribution of Paleozoic rocks in the
Southern Maraon Basin

4.3.1 Structural Analysis of Maraon Area

The tectonic evolution of the Maraon Basin begins in the Late Permian Early Triassic,
during which time major extensional faulting and erosion alternately preserved and
eroded thick Paleozoic sections. This evolution is attributed to a process of orogenic
collapse following the late Hercynian Juru orogeny (Tankard, 2001) and marks the onset
of the Andean tectonic event. Within the isolated rift sequences, red beds of the Mitu
Formation accumulated and with further sag and coalescing of the rift segments, the
carbonates and evaporites of the Pucar Group. This cycle terminated with the
widespread deposition of the Sarayaquillo redbeds.
The pre-Andean terrain of the Maraon Basin is thus comprised of a series of preserved
Paleozoic grabens and half grabens alternating with bald highs in its southern and

59

Pozo

Base Cretaceous

Ene?

Copacabana
Cabanillas
Contaya
Basement

Figure 40: Preserved Paleozoic section in the southern Maraon Basin showing the horst and graben
system that developed at the beginning of the Andean Orogeny. Many of the normal faults cutting the
Paleozoic section have undergone later minor compressional reactivation. The Paleozoic intervals noted
on the seismic line are approximations only

demonstrated in Figure 40, many of the extensional faults punctuating the Paleozoic
section have been reactivated in a reverse sense by later compressional tectonics from
Late Cretaceous time and through the Tertiary.
Figure 41: Deflection of the Shanusi fault around the Tiraco Dome (Modified from Ingemmet digital
quadrangle maps).

60

western regions (Figure 40) while in the northeast it is underlain by basement rocks of the
Brazilian/Guyana Shield. Figure 39 is a time-structure map on the Contaya Formation
which is representative of the distribution of Paleozoic rocks in the southeastern Maraon
Basin. In the western Maraon the Paleozoic distribution is somewhat more discernable
due to the lack of seismic reflectors deep in the section beneath a very thick Tertiary and
Mesozoic section.
There appears to be a general geological acceptance in literature that the region
experienced a number of compressional events beginning in the Late Cretaceous and
continued intermittently through to the Late Miocene. The Late Cretaceous event has
been called the Peruvian Phase and its record is largely recorded in Cordilleran outcrops.
This tectonism is believed to represent the start of Andean deformation and has been
ascribed to low-angle subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the Peruvian Margin
(Mathalone and Montoya, 1995). Tankard (2001), describes the resultant process of this
subduction as one of strike-slip transpressional tectonics. In the northwest Maraon
Basin (Figure 24) and the Santiago Basin (Figure 25), there is evidence of such faulting
somewhat coincidental with the Peruvian period, that would support the importance of
strike-slip tectonics in the evolution of the Maraon and surrounding Basins as proposed
in Tankard, 2001 (Appendix 4b). In the southern Maraon Basin two very prominent
uplifts are found, the Tiraco Dome and Cushabatay Mountains. Both are interpreted to be
early Triassic Mitu Basins that
were inverted during the
Peruvian Phase. The evidence
for this is two-fold. Figure 41, a
geological map of the Tiraco
Dome area, suggests the Dome to
have been in place before the
emplacement of the younger
Shanusi fault and acted as a buttress to the forward advancement
of this east verging Late Tertiary
aged fault. The second line of
evidence is shown in seismic line
MPH-23 across the southern
plunge of the Tiraco Dome
beneath the Chazuta thrust sheet
(Figure 44). This seismic line
shows significant stratigraphic
thinning in the uppermost Cretaceous and lowermost Tertiary
sections, which would be coincidental with positive structural
Influence of the
growth of the Tiraco Dome
deeper and older
Solimoes Basin
during the Peruvian Phase.
0 km

100 km

C.I. = 30 ms

The second period of Andean

compressional deformation, the
Incaic Phase, took place in the
early-middle Eocene, which

Figure 42: Isochron of the Pozo to Base Cretaceous interval

(Paleo-structure of the Maraon Basin at Mid-Eocene time)

61

corresponds approximately with early Pozo time. This phase represents a period of
regional flexural tilting, onlap, and renewed structural growth (Mathalone and Montoya,
1995) and one during which the first pulse of Cretaceous oils were generated and
underwent migration. The cumulative effects of the Peruvian and Incaic Phase of
deformation are represented in the Pozo to Base Cretaceous Isochron map (paleostructure map) shown in Figure 42 and Enclosure 19. The map shows a relative gentle
east to west tilt of the Maraon Basin, the development of subtle structural closures noses
and a well-defined margin on the southern flank of the Basin. Also worthy of note is how
the production fairway of the Basin falls within a flat between two steep flexural trends
that were prominently developed at this time.
The final and most diastrophic compressional event in the Maraon Basin took place in
the Late Miocene and has been designated the Quechua III Event. Literature typically
describes a Quechua I and II phase of tectonism in earlier Miocene time although there is
no evidence of such deformation in the sub-Andean Basins of Peru (Mathalone and
Montoya, 1995) (per. com. Wilber Hermosa). The present day foreland basin
configuration of the Maraon Basin took its form from this event with the combination of
near vertical uplifts through a major reactivation of wrench faults such as in the northern
Campanquiz Mountains (Figure 43), which now separates the Santiago Basin from the
Maraon (PARSEP, 2001), and thin-skinned detachment faulting with up to 50 km of
horizontal shortening as seen in the Chazuta Thrust sheet whos uplift now separates in
part, the Huallaga and Maraon Basin (Figure 44).
Within the Maraon Basin itself during the Quechua III Phase of deformation we see the
selective reactivation of the older faults such as those shown in Figures 24 and 40 in
addition to the breakthrough of a new fault system with no older roots. Examples of the
later are shown in Figure 45.
Santiago Basin

Campanquiz Mountains

Maraon Basin

L. Puca

Chonta
Cushabatay
B. Cret

B. Pucara?

Figure 43: Seismic example of the vertical uplift of the northern Campanquiz Mountains separating the
Santiago and Maraon Basins

62

Huallaga Basin

Fold Belt

Maran Basin

Tertiary
Tertiary

Cretaceous

Cretaceous

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sarayaquillo/Evaporites

Chazuta
Thrust

Note Stratigraphic thinning of

the section onto the southern
plunge of the Tiraco Dome
Mitu/Salt
Sarayaquillo

Pucar/Salt
Paleozoic

Figure 44: Seismic line MPH 23 across the southern plunge of the Tiraco Dome. This line is orientated
SW to NE and is located just south of the Tiraco Dome as shown in Figure 41.

Figure 45: SW-NE seismic line through the northeast Maraon Basin (Block 67 Area) showing a
proliferation of faults with a very young origin that were formed during the Quechua III compressional
tectonic event.

63

5.0 GEOPHYSICS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The geophysical interpretation for this study was done through the use of an extensive
seismic library within the archives of Perupetro. In total over 50,000 km of seismic have
been acquired in the Maraon Basin by Petroperu and a number of other operators since
1970 (Figure 46). Most of this data is available on tape in its raw form and in its final
processed form in paper copies. However, to do a project such as the one undertaken by
PARSEP, the only method to successfully handle the voluminous amount of data was to
use only the data available in digital SEGY format to allow for workstation interpretation.
Unfortunately collecting and quality controlling the seismic data in this format proved to
be a much more monumental task than originally thought. Where significant holes in the
data coverage existed, Perupetro made requests to the acquiring company for copies of
the data set in the format we required. Fortunately to the advancement of the project, all
companies were quite cooperative and by the end of December 2001, over 23,000 km of
data had been acquired. This is the data set that used for this study (Figure 46). Since
that time, the database has been populated with considerably more 2D data and nine 3D
surveys in the Basin.
COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA
Paiche 1X

Unavailability of reliable nav.

data in the 1AB area hindered
attempts to plot all seismic lines

Dorado 1X

Piraa 1X

Cunambo 1X
Arabela 1X

Tangarana 1X
Forestal Ext 1X

San Jacinto 1X

Forestal 1X
Shiviyacu NE 1X
Carmen Central 1X

ECUADOR

ECUADOR

Bartra 1X

Carmen 1X
Shiviyacu 01
Pilar 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X

Huayuri N 1X
M acusari 1X
Huayuri S 1X

Tigre 1X

Capahuari N 1X
Jibaro 1X
Dorissa 1X

Capahuari Central 1X

Jibarito 1X

Capahuari S 1X
Ceci 1X

Jibarito S 1X

Tambo 1X
Margarita 1X

Tambo Sur 1XD

Andoas 1X

Maynas 1X
Tucunare 1X
Bolognesi 1X

Yanez 1X

Martha 1X

Plantayacu 1X
Huasaga 1X

Valencia 1X
Nueva Esperanza 1X
Pucacuro 1XD
Tuncheplaya 1X

Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
Tigre 131X
Nanay 1X
Huangana 1X

Capirona 1X

Intuto 1X

Chapuli 1X
Huitoyacu 1X

Sungaroyacu N 1X
Sungachi 1X
Belen 1X
San Juan 1X

Chambira 1X

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X
Aerico 1X

Chambira Este 1X
Caterpiza 1X

Zorro 1X

Tigrillo 1X

Piuntza 1X
Limonyacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Nahuapa 1X
Santa M artha 1X

Patoyacu 1X

Dominguza 1X
Putuime 1X
Maranon 110X
Mahuaca 1X

Cuinico N 1X

C oncordia 1X

Nucuray 1X
Manseriche 1X
Pupuntas 1X
Diana Mae 1X
Tanguintza 1X

Pauyacu 1X

Cuinico S 1X

M aranon 22X

Maranon 1X

Yanayacu 1X

Pastococha 1X
Bretana 1X

Yanayacu Sur 1X

Yarina 1X

Envidia 1X

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

Zapote 1X
Samiria Sur 1X

Tamanco 1X

Yurimaguas 1X

Tapiche 1X
Loreto 1X

Palmera 1X

Shanusi 1X
Palo Seco 1X

Santa Elena 1X

La Frontera 1X

Santa Lucia 1X

Santa Catalina 1X

BRAZIL

BRAZIL
O rellana 1X

Santa Clara 1X
Rayo 1X

Huaya 4X
Huaya 3X

Insaya 1X

Cachiyacu 1X
Maquia 1X
Ponasillo 1X
Amaquiria 1X
Pacaya 1X

Inuya 1X

Cashiboya A 1X

Cashiboya Sur 1X

Pisqui 1X

Figure 46: Map on left shows locations of the majority of seismic shot in the Maraon Basin since
1970. Map on right is a display of the SEGY Seismic data set that was used in this interpretation.
Included in both are the available data sets in the Santiago and Huallaga Basins.

Once the seismic data was acquired in the appropriate format the general workflow
undertaken by the Group was as follows:

Initial cleanup of navigational data

64

Load data in PC platform utilizing WinPics (Kernel Technologies) seismic

interpretation software
Further correct navigational data
Quality Control data, i.e. find and correct lines with reversed coordinates, lines
with serious misties then correct or opt not to use, etc.
Export data to SMAC (Kernel Technologies) a statistical mistie program that
was used to bulk ship all the seismic to a common datum and to phase and
amplitude tie the data.
Refinement of the above step in WinPics
Export of data from WinPics into UNIX platform utilizing GeoQuest
(Schulmberger) seismic interpretation software
Seismic profile construction, final interpretation and mapping with GeoQuest.

Despite this exercise, serious problems surfaced in the data set once interpretation began.
These problems focused largely on ones associated with navigational data, which in part
had to do with the use of different coordinate systems and projections and in many
instances, with just poorly surveyed lines. With the older GSI and Prakla data sets from
the 70s, a number of lines were reversed and displaced (as evidenced by offset along a
well defined fault trends). As the exact location of some of this lines were not known, we
were forced to exclude this data from our interpretation. A good example on a detailed
level of on the navigational problems was in the area of the Corrientes oil field where a
considerable amount of detailed 2D data have been acquired through multiple campaigns.
After the first pass of interpretation, the projections of the fault contacts onto the seismic
line for any given reflector indicated a highly complex and discontinuous series of faults.
As this was obviously in error, the magnitude of the navigational problems became
evident. In the case of Corrientes fortunately, a large 3D survey now covers the field and
the structure can now be accurately mapped.
For the next phase of the Maraon Project we are recommending there to be an in-depth
detailed evaluation of the Basin utilizing 3D seismic data and development wells. During
this evaluation, which is currently slated for next year, the problem of correcting the
navigational data will be aggressively tackled. This will begin by going back to the
original field records and topographical maps to correctly locate the shotpoint locations
and then correctly convert the data into a proper and widely used UTM coordinate and
projection system.

5.2 MARAON BASIN SEISMIC ACQUISTION HISTORY OF PARSEP DATA

SET
Data utilized in the Maraon project was supplied by PERUPETRO in SEGY format and
consisted of 22,723 km. in 777 seismic lines from approximately 30 different seismic
surveys (Table 2). This data set spans the time interval from the seventies to the present
it is tabulated as a digital data set in Appendix 5.

65

No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

SURVEY
ADVANTAGE 96 & 97
AMERADA HESS
AMOCO

BLOCK No. of Lines

67
11
10
14
ARCO
13
BRITISH
CHAMBIRA
8
COASTAL PERU 73 LTD.
73
COASTAL OIL & GAS
74
CORRIENTE SUR 94
8
DEMINEX
12
GETTY
3
GREAT WESTERN
65 & 65M
GSI
8
LOTE 8
8
LOTE8X
8
OCEANIC
4
OCCIDENTAL-1A
1A
OCCIDENTAL-1AB
1AB
OCCIDENTAL-4
4
OCCIDENTAL-54
54
PETROLEOS DEL PERU
8
PHILLIPS
7
PRAKLA-8
8
PRAKLA-2
2
REPSOL
33
RUNTUSAPA
54
SAN JORGE
68
SEISCOM DELTA UNITED
8
SUN OIL
6
UNION OIL
1B

39
6
11
11
7
1
8
11
10
36
45
59
32
113
24
3
22
14
31
34
26
16
82
23
8
20
12
19
31
23

Km
857.50
177.98
590.35
820.81
313.58
12.00
261.94
342.63
72.87
1867.73
2080.86
996.60
1543.98
1693.34
421.26
335.87
680.19
365.33
399.06
817.65
398.78
937.43
2466.99
1061.32
229.00
344.72
207.23
299.87
1261.68
864.45

777
22,723.00
TOTAL ==>
Table 2: Seismic acquisition history of the data used by PARSEP in the Maraon Basin

5.3 SEISMIC INTERPRETATION

5.3.1 Data Quality
Briefly something needs to be stated about the quality of the seismic data that was
utilized in this study. Almost all of the more modern (post 1985) was of good quality and
generally posed few problems for interpretation. The older data sets, however, were of
variable data quality, some of which was quite good and others quite bad. Outside of the
navigational problems mentioned previously, the regional speculative surveys of the
1970s of both Prakla and GSI throughout the Maraon Basin were of moderate to good
quality. One of the reasons for the large range of quality is due to the different
reprocessings that these two very regional data sets have seen throughout the years in
various parts of the Basin. Another older data set that is of very good quality is the 70s
Deminex survey in the southwestern Maraon Basin, which was reprocessed by Coastal
in the mid 1990s.

66

When it comes to bad data, several surveys in particular need to be highlighted. Perhaps
the worst is the Amoco survey in the easternmost Maraon in the vicinity of the Bretaa
1X well. This data was plagued by navigational errors, which still have to be resolved
and as a result, misties abounded. It is also of very poor quality data with low frequency
and a very washed out appearance. In the western Maraon Basin, is the very large Sun
Oil survey located north of Deminex area. This data is of low frequency and has
significant mistie problems. Again this later point is largely a function of bad
navigational data. Finally, the Phillips data, which is to the west of the Amoco survey,
was acquired in three separate seismic campaigns. Several of the long critical strike lines
that were needed to tie the dip lines had mistie problems so severe that could not be
resolved and consequently the lines were not used due to uncertainty of their location.
In summary all usable data was incorporated into the final interpretation and is included
in this report as SEGY files on a 8mm Exabyte tape included as Appendix 12 in this
report. As previously noted, a number of lines had to be discounted and ignored as their
actual locations were in serious doubt. The lines not used were largely restricted to the
Phillips, GSI and Prakla data sets.
5.3.2 Well Data Seismic Ties
Approximately 80% of the exploratory wells drilled in the Maraon Basin were tied to
seismic lines with synthetic seismograms. This was done in conjunction with the
regional cross-section program that allowed us to create a fairly accurate picture of
Cretaceous stratigraphy across the Basin. The completion of this aspect of the study set
the foundation for the Maraon Basin Seismic Profile study, which is covered further in
the following section.
5.3.3 Maraon Basin Seismic Profiles
Ten seismic profiles were constructed across the Maraon Basin. Originally this grid was
intended to more or less mimic the one used for the regional geological cross-section but
limited data in certain areas ultimately resulted in the two grids being relatively
independent of one another. The principal reflectors picked regionally across the Basin
are the Pozo (Oligocene/Eocene); Chonta, Agua Caliente, Base Cretaceous (Cretaceous);
intra-Sarayaquillo, Pucar, Mitu (Jurassic to U. Permian); Copacabana, Cabanillas, and
Contaya (Paleozoic); and Basement. Each Profile (Appendices 26a to 26j) is presented
with the seismic displayed in two forms, a) time structure, and b) flattened on the Pozo
reflector to highlight paleo-structuration at Eocene time. A description on each of the
seismic profiles is as follows,
5.3.3.1 Profile 1 Orellana to Nahuapa (Enclosure 26a)
This NE-SW seismic profile intersects the wells, Orellana 1X, Santa Catalina 1X, Loreto
1X, Viracocha 1X, Pastococha 1X, and Nahuapa 1X, and is located in the southern part
of the Maraon Basin. In this profile little variation in Cretaceous thickness is seen with
the seismic reflectors generally having good coherence and continuity. Pre-Cretaceous
sequences are well defined with the interpretation being constrained by ties to the
Orellana, Santa Catalina and Loreto wells. The eastern part of the section is dominated
by half-grabens containing Paleozoic rocks and in the west by the Mitu to Sarayaquillo
mega-cycle which is seen pinching out to the east through onlap to the Paleozoic section

67

and truncation beneath the Cretaceous unconformity. The profile crosses the Loreto
structure tested by the Loreto 1X well. This the largest structure mapped in the Maraon
Basin with approximately 800 km2 of closure. It is unusual in that it is domal in
occurrence, has no significant apparent ancestral features and is extensively dissected by
extensional (tensional) faulting over its crest.

9'

COLOMBIA

10'
7'
5'
9
ECUADOR

2'
6'
8'
78

5
10

1'
6

4'
3'

4
BRAZIL

1
3
Figure 47: Map of the Maraon Basin showing the location of the ten Seismic Profiles

5.3.3.2 Profile 2 Samiria Sur to Bolognesi (Enclosure 26b)

Profile 2 is orientated south to north and intersects the Samiria 1X, Yanayacu Sur 1X,
Pastococha 1X, Cuinico S 1X, Cuinico N 1X, Santa Martha 1X (Projected), Chambira
Este 1X, San Juan 1X, Huangana 1X, Tigre 131X, and Bolognesi 1X wells. The
Cretaceous section is seen increasing in thickness from south to north as the eastern flank
of the Maraon Basin is approached. The Mitu to Sarayaquillo section is well
represented in the south half of the profile and is seen to pinch out completely to the
north.
68

5.3.3.3 Profile 3 NW Ucayali to Tapiche (Enclosure 26c)

This SW to NE Profile goes through the wells, Orellana 1X, Santa Lucia 1X, Tapiche 1X
(projected) and La Palmera 1X (projected). It begins in the northernmost Ucayali Basin,
crosses the northern subsurface projection of the highly faulted Contaya arch and into the
Maraon Basin where the extension of the Brazilian Solimoes Paleozoic Basin westward
into Peru is seen beneath the Cretaceous unconformity.
Throughout the profile, the Cretaceous maintains a fairly constant thickness. The MituSarayaquillo mega sequence is well defined and as in Profile 1, is seen pinching out from
west to east through onlap and truncation. The most significant aspect of the profile,
however, is the dominance of a thick Paleozoic section. This is particularly pronounced
in the northern Ucayali Basin portion of the profile where over two seconds TWT of
Paleozoic section can be mapped. The upper one second TWT of this section has
tentatively been identified as post-Copacabana and would therefore have to include Ene
and presumable a thick sequence of younger aged sediments.
5.3.3.4 Profile 4 Shanusi to Zapote (Enclosure 26d)
Profile 4 is a southwest to northeast-orientated section paralleling Profile 3, and as with
Profile 1, crosses the massive Loreto structure. The wells intersected by this profile are,
Shanusi 1X, Loreto 1X, Pastococha 1X, Yanayacu 1X, Bretaa 1X, Envidia 1X, and
Zapote 1X.
A very significant thickening of the entire Mesozoic section (approximately Mitu to
Chonta reflectors can be seen from east to west indicating the proto-Maraon Basin
depocenter being to the west of the Shanusi 1X test and well west of the present day
Tertiary depocenter which on this profile is located coincidental with the Pastococha 1X
well east of the Loreto structure.
When evaluating the Sarayaquillo Formation on this line it is important to note a strong
seismic event identified by the PARSEP Group as a significant tectono-stratigraphic
event. This is an angular erosional/depositional surface that separates the seismically
homogeneous Lower Sarayaquillo from that of the more reflective Upper Sarayaquillo
package. The interpretation of this event is discussed in considerable more detail in
Section 4.3.2.3 of this report.
In addition to the Loreto feature a very significant structural depression is seen to its west
just to the east of the anticline tested by the Shanusi 1X well. This closed synclinal low
is as spectacular a negative feature as the neighboring Loreto is a positive one. It is
constrained by several large displacement northwest trending high angle reverse faults
and is readily identifiable all 2WT structure maps of which Enclosures 15 (Pozo) and 18
(Base Cretaceous) are such examples.
5.3.3.5 Profile 5 Huangana to Tangarana (Enclosure 26e)
This is an almost south to north seismic profile, located along the eastern flank of the
Basin, intersecting the wells Huangana 1X, Tigre 131X, Otorongo 1X and the Tangarana
1X.

69

In this profile there is an excellent seismic response to all the regionally mapped
Cretaceous markers with the line demonstrating how the Cretaceous sequence thins
towards the Iquitos Arc, where it rests unconformably over granitic basement. In the
middle section of this profile, some angular pre-Cretaceous events are noted, the age of
which are not well constrained. This area is generally further north than where preserved
Paleozoic sections beneath the Cretaceous have been mapped. Additionally, a much
different and weaker seismic character to these reflectors may also suggest that they have
a different origin and perhaps be indicative of an older, possible metasedimentary
sequence.
5.3.3.6 Profile 6 Nanay to Nahuapa (Enclosure 26f)
Profile 6 is a southeast to northwest section incorporating the seismic along the eastern
most flank of Basin incorporating the Nanay 1X, Belen 1X, Zorro 1X and Nahuapa 1X
wells.
As this is largely a strike line, the thickness of the Cretaceous sequence remains constant,
as one would expect. What is significant about this Profile is in its definition of the
Paleozoic section, which is defined largely as a series of block faulted horst and grabens
unconformably underlying the Cretaceous sequence. Later minor compressional
reactivation of these features created low amplitude folds within the overlying Cretaceous
and Tertiary section.
5.3.3.7 Profile 7- Santiago Basin to Arabela (Enclosure 26g)
This spectacular regional section traverses the Santiago Basin in the west, across the
entire girth of the Maraon Basin onto beginning of the Iquitos Arch to the east. It
demonstrates how the entire Mesozoic section thin from west to east including the
termination of pre-Cretaceous Mesozoic Basin midway in the profile. This termination
point roughly corresponds to the Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault depicted in Figures 6
and 7.
In the flattened profile it can easily be appreciate how the Santiago and Maraon Basins
were once one with the depocenter being located in the Santiago segment and how the
Santiago Basin was later filled with Tertiary sediments and uplifted during the Miocene
Quechua deformation.
Also worthy of note on the eastern portion of this line is the massive Arabela structure
that was drilled by Mobil. Over the structural culmination of the feature (to the north of
the profile, the closure is largely constrained by faults (Profile 10 Appendix 26j). The
lack of success of this well is attributed to late movement on the sealing fault, which
probably breached any preexisting accumulation.
5.3.3.8 Profile 8 Ungumayo to Otorongo (Enclosure 26h)
Profile 8 is a west to east section paralleling the more southern Profile 7, and intersects
the Ungumayo 1X, Tigrillo 1X, Capirona 1X and Otorongo 1X wells. Comments similar
with respect to the Mesozoic section discussed for Profile 7 apply to this section as well.

70

Of significance on this section is the young Capirona-Pavayacu structure, located just to

the east of the pinchout/truncation of the pre-Cretaceous section. This structure has no
apparent ancestral history, yet traps both the Capirona and the much more significant
Pavayacu oil accumulations. Refer to Figure 45 for a more detailed view of this feature.
5.3.3.9 Profile 9 Paiche to Piraa (Enclosure 26i)
This short, south to north Profile is located in the northernmost Maraon Basin
interesting the three Barrett heavy oil discoveries, Piraa 1X, Dorado 1X (projected), and
Paiche 1X. All wells TDd in Basement it is interesting to speculate as to the source of
the deeper reflectors seen on the Profile.
5.3.3.10 Profile 10 Arabela to Corrientes (Enclosure 26j)
This roughly north to south Profile, is located in the eastern and northern part of the
Basin reflecting sections similar to and the same as portions of Profiles 5 and 7, and was
constructed as such to link and tie a group of important wells, a number of which were
significant oil discoveries. The profile intersects first, the Arabela 1X well which tested
a huge fault bounded structure, then the Martha 1X, Valencia 1X, Nueva Esperanza 1X,
Tuncheplaya 1X (Projection), Pavayacu 1X, Copal 1X, and Corrientes 1X wells. Of
these, Valencia, Nueva Esperanza, Pavayacu and Corrientes 1X were oil discoveries.
5.3.4 Maraon Basin Seismic Mapping
All seismic mapping for the Maraon Basin was done in time, and with the mapping
module of the GeoQuest IESX seismic interpretation software. No depth conversions
were done. In total 11 maps were made, of which 6 were TWT structure maps and were
done for the Pozo (Enclosure 15), Chonta (Enclosure 16), Chonta Limestone (Enclosure
17), Base Cretaceous (Enclosure 18), Cabanillas (Enclosure 23), and Contaya (Enclosure
24) reflectors. The remainder were isochron maps and of the units Upper Sarayaquillo
(Enclosure 20), Lower Sarayaquillo (Enclosure 21) and Pucar (Enclosure 22b), and the
intervals, Pozo to Base Cretaceous (Enclosure 19) and Base Cretaceous to Cabanillas
(Enclosure 25). As most of these maps have been discussed and presented as figures in
considerably more detail elsewhere in this report within the appropriate subsection of
Section 4.0 Geology of Maraon Basin Area, no further discussion on them is presented
within this section.

71

6.0 SUMMARY OF WELLS DRILLED BETWEEN 1990 - 2000

A detailed evaluation was done in this study of the thirteen wells drilled between 1990
and 2000 (Appendix 3a). The intention was to identify the success/failure of each to
understand better how to explore for Maraon oil. Where possible, PARSEP generated
maps were utilized from the available well and seismic data, utilizing the interpretation
provided by the operator only when sufficient data was not available. These evaluations
are presented in their entirety in Appendices 3b through 3n. Below is a brief summary of
the wells
Paiche 1X
Dorado 1X
Piraa 1X
Arabela 1X

ECUADOR
Pucacuro 1
Tucunare 1X
Tigre 131X

Sungaroyacu
Norte 1X
Santa Martha 1X
Limonyacu 1X

Zorro 1X

Diana Mae 1X

PERU
Santa Catalina 1X

Orellana 1X

Figure 48: Location of exploration wells drilled in the Maraon Basin between 1990 and 2000.

72

6.1 PUCACURO 1X
The Pucacuro 1X well (Appendix 3b) was drilled northeast of the main Maraon Basin
productive trend (Figure 1) and just south of the principal Chonta source rock charge area
to the northwest. The primary charge for any accumulations in this area is expected to
be the result of first, a long-range migration from the Pucar Formation to the southwest
into paleo-traps of both a structural and stratigraphic nature and then, a remigration into
Late Tertiary formed structures. No significant hydrocarbons shows have to date been
found this far to the northeast off of the known productive trend and south of the Block
67 discoveries. One explanation for this may be the lack of available hydrocarbons to fill
structures much beyond the current productive Pavayacu/Corrientes/Yanayacu trend.
In all likelihood the Pucacuro 1X well was probably dry due to the lack of available
hydrocarbons to charge the structure. However, because of the significant differences in
interpretation between PARSEP and Murphy (Appendix 3b), the integrity of the closure
mapped also remains in question until all data can be incorporated into the database and
interpreted.

6.2 TIGRE 1X
In almost all manners, the Tigre 131X well (Appendix 3c) has all the characteristics of
those productive in the Pavayacu structure located approximately 22 km to its west
(Figure 48). It is a closed structure, has a subtle paleo-structure (although not considered
to be a significant factor with respect to the Pavayacu accumulation), and excellent
reservoirs. The critical difference between the two is that the Tigre well is found to be in
a significantly lower present day structural position. This is more or less the structural
position during the period of Pucar oil remigration up from the postulated downdip
paleo-traps in the Basin to the south and west. The remigrating oil would have been
focused into the considerably structurally higher Pavayacu and Capirona features and the
Tigre feature, being in a regional structural low would have been bypassed. The thin oil
column found within the Vivian sand in the Tigre well is probably the result of a small oil
accumulation associated with pre-Pozo structuration preserved through the downwarping
of the Tigre area and uplift of the surrounding area.

6.3 ARABELA 1X
The Arabela 1X (Appendix 3d) tested a massive structure on northeastern margin of the
Maraon Basin. Regionally updip from the three Block 67 (Barrett) discovery wells to
the north, and the 1AB fields to east (Dorisa, etc.) the Arabela structure was more than
likely along the migration pathway to receive a charge of Chonta sourced oil. Whether
this oil was remigrated Chonta oil from an earlier generative pulse (Pozo time) or a late to
present day early mature oil generated to the north and east or a combination of both is
still under discussion. Oil shows with the Vivian section attest to the fact that oil had
migrated through the Upper Cretaceous section.
The updip, bounding fault to the Arabela structure has an impressive amount of throw
with over 150ms of displacement. Although the structure is young in age, the Paiche
Structure as shown seismically in Figure 5 of Appendix 3n, is of the same age and was

73

found to be hydrocarbon bearing in Block 67 to the north. The Arabela Structure,

however, has no apparent four-way independent closure and relies solely on the fault to
trap any potential accumulation. The lack of an adequate fault seal in all likelihood is the
reason for the lack of hydrocarbons in the Arabela structure. Should an accumulation
have been trapped, it most likely would have been one, containing heavy oil.

6.4 DIANA MAE 1X

The Diana Mae 1X well (Appendix 3e) is located approximately 25km north of the
Yanayacu Oil Field. As with all wells in the area, the Diana Mae well displays welldeveloped sandstones of reservoir quality in the Vivian Formation and Cetico member of
the Chonta Formation. These two reservoirs are the principal hydrocarbon bearing sand
bodies in the southern Maraon Basin, i.e. Corrientes Field, Yanayacu Field, and Samiria
Sur 1X). Additionally, thick shales cap both of these units offering excellent seals to any
potential accumulation that may be found in the underlying reservoirs,
The problem with the Diana Mae location is two fold. The first is in the subtlety of the
structure, which has a maximum of 8 ms of closure on the top of the Vivian along a welldefined southwest plunging structural nose. The saddle defining the counter regional dip
to close the Diana Mae structure is poorly defined and additional seismic may show this
closure to be even less than currently mapped. There is no faulting associated with the
Diana Mae structure.
The second and perhaps the more significant problem associated with the Diana Mae 1X
well is that it is believed to be located within a migration shadow for remigrating Pucar
oil during the Late Tertiary. It is located updip and to the northwest of a much larger
fault bounded, undrilled structural feature, which the PARSEP Group has defined as the
Majaz Prospect (Enclosure 32). The Majaz Prospect is believed to have been charged
from a paleo-structure located to its south and to the west of the Yanayacu field. The
reader is referred to a more complete description of on the Majaz Prospect within
Section 7.3.4 of this report.

6.5 TUCUNARE 1X
Occidentals Tucunare 1X well (Appendix 3f) was drilled on a 100 km2 3D seismic
survey along a south plunging nose downdip from the Tambo Field. The location drilled
had no structural closure and almost certainly for this reason, the Tucunare 1X failed to
find any economic accumulation of hydrocarbons. Despite the lack of closure, the well
did have significant hydrocarbon shows in a number of Chonta sandstones, which were
calculated to be hydrocarbon bearing by Occidental (1998). Eight feet of net pay were
calculated in the Upper Chonta, 1.5 feet in the sand immediately above the Chonta
Limestone (Upper Cetico equivalent), and finally 5.5 feet in the sand immediately below
the Chonta Limestone (Lower Cetico equivalent).
With the absence of structural
closure, these accumulations are considered to be stratigraphically trapped. No tests
were conducted in these sands due to the poor calculated petrophysical qualities of the
reservoirs.
Of particular interest is the paleo-structure mapped by the Tucunare 3D seismic survey.
It can be speculated that this feature once reservoired a sizeable paleo-accumulation that
74

migrated updip along the Tucunare structure nose during the tectonic readjustment and
tilting of the area in the Late Tertiary. The Tambo field, a present day structural
culmination is probably one of several fields that now contain this remigrated oil.

6.7 ZORRO 1X
The Zorro 1X well (Appendix 3g) was drilled in an area where almost all of the
Cretaceous sands are starting to amalgamate into one massive sand body. Consequently,
the well had little chance of encountering oil below the top of the Vivian within the
Cetico and Pona sand members of the Chonta Formation, which are the principal
producers in the Corrientes Field to the east. The sequence from Agua Caliente to top
Vivian is almost 100% sand and there is a lack of any significant intraformational seals
within this interval.
The well was drilled on a time to depth-converted structure interpreted by Enterprise
(Enterprise 1996). Within the PARSEP seismic database there unfortunately was not
sufficient data to validate the closure in time. With the limited data on hand, however,
there was conflicting seismic evidence that left some doubt as to the validity of the
interpretation presented by Enterprise. This is explained further in Appendix 3g.

6.8 SANTA CATALINA 1X

The Santa Catalina 1X well (Appendix 3h) was drilled in the southern Maraon Basin as
part of a three well program by Coastal in the late 90s. The other two wells were
Orellana 1X, also of the southern Maraon Basin and Insaya 1X of the northern Ucayali
Basin. All three were drilled on very robust structures with four-way dip closures cored
by high angle reverse faults.
In all three wells, the Cretaceous objectives penetrated are seen to have excellent
reservoir characteristics coupled with well developed overlying seal-quality, thick shale
units. All Cretaceous sands penetrated in the Santa Catalina well and in general, all wells
in the southern Maraon and northern Ucayali Basins are fresh water wet indicating a
proximal recharge area that probably originates in the Cushabatay Mountains and the
Contaya Arch where the Cretaceous outcrops. It is believed that the strong hydrologic
head developed within the Cretaceous formations from the much higher elevated
recharge areas into the basins, was sufficient to completely flush the reservoirs if oil was
once trapped
The lack of any residual hydrocarbon shows in Santa Catalina 1X, indicates that
hydrocarbons probably never migrated through the section penetrated by the well bore.
The Chonta Formation is not considered a legitimate source rock in the southwest
Maraon area and the source rock that is present, the Pucar Formation, is probably
effectively sealed off from the Cretaceous. This has been documented in the Shanusi 1X
Well where Pucar generated gas reservoired in Pucar dolomites is trapped beneath
intra-formational seals of tight carbonates and possibly evaporitic units. Regionally, a
thick evaporitic unit of sabkha origin has been identified that at least locally may encase
the Pucar generated oils both laterally and vertically.

75

In conclusion reservoir flushing and/or the lack of access to Pucar generated

hydrocarbons due to effective seals are the probable reason(s) for the lack of success of
the Santa Catalina 1X well.

6. 9 SANTA MARTHA 1X
The Santa Martha 1X (Appendix 3i) was drilled as a deviated well and was the last of the
Great Western/Enterprise three well commitment on Block 65. The well encountered
excellent reservoirs and well developed seals overlying the objective targets in the
Cretaceous as expected. All sands were wet with minor oil shows in the Vivian
sandstone. The structure on the other hand, is extremely subtle with only 6 ms
(maximum) of closure with an even more subtle expression of paleo-structuration. Minor
velocity variations within the shallow section known to be inherent to the area
(Enterprise, 1997) may further enhance or diminish the amplitude of the structure.
Minor shows within Vivian indicate that the location was at least probably on the
hydrocarbon migration pathway. In our interpretation because of the very small amount
of vertical closure, the structure was probably flushed and the migrant hydrocarbons
accumulated updip within the Corrientes structure. In the Corrientes structure, the Vivian
reservoir only has a fill factor of around 35% (Pluspetrol, per. com.). The volume of
unfilled vertical closure within the Vivian section at Corrientes, well exceeds the mapped
closure at Santa Martha.

6.10 ORELLANA 1X
The reasons attributed to the lack of success referred to in the above Section 6.8 for the
Santa Catalina well, are also applicable for the Orellana 1X well (Appendix 3j).
6.11 SUNGAROYACU 1X
Why the structure tested by the Sungaroyacu 1X well (Appendix 3k) was not charged by
remigrated oil out of the southern paleo-culmination as both reservoirs and seals appear
to be more than adequate, may be a function of the subtlety of the structure itself. It is
difficult to map more than 5-6 ms of closure, which simply may have not been sufficient
to protect the reservoir from flushing. Another potential answer although purely
speculative, may be due to shallower velocity variations. An accurate conversion of time
to depth may show that the structure is open to north and has no closure. With only 5-6
ms of closure in time, this is not difficult to imagine. Another explanation can be given
similar to the one described for the Tigre 1X well, with Sungaroyacu lying within a
migration shadow zone behind the much larger structural culminations of Corrientes to
its southeast, and Pavayacu/Capirona to its northwest during the time of Pucar oil
remigration in the Late Tertiary.

6.12 LIMONYACU 1X
The Limonyacu 1X (Appendix 3l) was proposed to test a structural closure within the
deep Maraon Basin a considerable distance away from the nearest well control. The

76

three closest wells are the Chapuli 1X and Huitoyacu 1X wells to the north and
Ungumayo 1X well to the east. All are 50 or more kilometers from the Limonyacu well.
The structure drilled by Occidental is a well defined four-way dip closure with over 20
ms of vertical closure at the Chonta Limestone level. This is a structure that also shows a
considerable amount of ancestral growth in pre-Pozo time. The post-mortem on the
Limonyacu 1X well (Oxy 1996) states the Vivian sandstone was poorly developed to
non-existent within this part of the Basin and as a result, the well was dry. However, in
the entire Santiago/Huallaga/Maraon Basin area only one well, the Nueva Esperanza 92,
has been noted by the PARSEP Group to have such a poorly developed Vivian sandstone
interval. Although with poor sand development, a short distance away within the two
offsetting wells, 74X (1X) and 93, the Vivian is fully developed, indicating the lack of
sand in the 92 well to be an anomaly. Consequently, our conclusion is that the
Limonyacu well was TDd prematurely and that the objective Vivian reservoir was never
reached. An attempt was made to seismically correlate the Vivian top from synthetics in
neighboring wells but the intervening seismic was not of sufficient quality to allow a
definitive correlation. Unfortunately, there will always be some doubt concerning which
formations were penetrated by this well. Had this well been drilled several hundred
meters deeper into the Chonta Limestone, however, this would not have been an issue.

6.13 BLOCK 67 WELLS (Dorado 1X, Piraa 1X, Paiche 1X)

The three wells drilled by Barrett in Block 67 (Appendix 3m), Dorado 1X, Piraa 1X,
and Paiche 1X, were all oil discoveries with API gravities ranging from 12 to 210 API and
low BTU gas. The Dorado and Piraa wells found most of their reserves within the
Chonta reservoir while in the Paiche well, reserves (low BTU gas and oil) were found in
Upper and Lower Vivian and Chonta sandstones. It should be noted that the uppermost
Vivian sand as noted by PARSEP, is called the Basal Tertiary or Tena Sand by Barrett.
The results of these three wells are significant as they extend the heavy oil trend from the
Tiputini and Ishpingo fields to the north in Ecuador, south into Peru along the eastern
margin of the Maraon Basin. Although it is known that the oil is sourced from the
Chonta Formation, it is still unclear whether its low gravity is a result of, a)
biodegradation/remigration of earlier trapped oils or, b) whether the reservoirs received a
recent charge of early mature oils. Because of the high present day heat flows noted in
the three Barrett wells the PARSEP modeling has the Chonta presently in the mid-mature
range for oil generation.
The age of the three structures tested by the Barrett wells, all show development in time
at stages different from one another. The Paiche structure is primarily a Late Tertiary
feature. Piraa is similar in age although the structure is seen to diminish from the Top
Cretaceous into the upper Tertiary indicating a slightly older history. The Dorado well is
the oldest of the three features, having developed as a drape structure over a fault
bounded basement high, which experienced only minimal Late Tertiary movement.
Clearly the migration of hydrocarbons into this area was quite late and postdates the
formation of the youngest structure such as seen in Paiche.

77

6.14 SUMMARY

One of the factors that have been plaguing the rejuvenation of Peruvian petroleum
exploration in the Maraon Basin in recent years has been because of the lack of drilling
success between the years 1990 and 2000. After an extensive review of well reports and
well data, it becomes evident that a number of these wells were drilled based on the same
concepts that have driven exploration in the Basin for 20 years. The premise of this
concept was the necessity of having an older structural component to any present day
feature, to trap oil migrating during the primary pulse of Chonta oil generation in the
early Tertiary.
As with any mature basin, the remaining undrilled structures become progressively
smaller after every subsequent drilling campaign. Such is the case with the Maraon
Basin. What largely took place in the 90s in the Maraon Basin was industries focus on
drilling very subtle structures with ancestral growth. Interestingly enough this was also
done in the southern Maraon Basin where it can be documented that it is the remigration
of oil during late Tertiary time that is the important event and thereby rendering the age
of structuration to be of only secondary importance. Many of the structures tested during
the 90s have a mappable closure in time of less than 10ms and with some, just being
above 5ms. To enhance these features or in some cases to create structures, depth
conversions were done to compensate for the velocity problems inherent within the
shallower Tertiary section which is a know problem in the area. Very few if any, of the
depth conversions worked as in reality the structure drilled were almost always less than
anticipated. In some cases as with Tucunare the closure, disappeared. Closure mapped
in time for a number of these wells is less than the unfilled closures at certain levels in
neighboring oil fields. As a result of this analysis wells such as Tucunare, Zorro, Santa
Martha, Diana Mae and Sungaroyacu due to the subtlety of the structures or in the case of
Tucunare, the existence of one, may be discounted, as they were very high-risk tests with
a low chance of success for reasons of fill and flushing.
The wells drilled by Coastal were in an area, the southern Maraon Basin, where the
Cretaceous accumulations have historically proven to be elusive and small due to serious
flushing and source rock issues. Again, this group of wells is considered to have been
one of high risk with a very low chance of success.
The Limonyacu well, is discounted completely within the contents of this study and is not
considered a valid test as it is not believed to have reached its objective.
When one considers the above observations in conjunction with the oil discoveries of the
three Barrett wells drilled in the northwest Maraon Basin, the perception of drilling
success percentages in the Maraon Basin, starts taking on new meaning. What could
future exploration in the Basin yield if the 20-year-old concepts that have dictated
exploration in the basin were discounted and newer ones pursued? It is on the basis of
this later point for which this study was initiated and one on which it has focused.

78

7.0 PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

7.1 GEOCHEMISTRY
7.1.1 General
Petroperu and a host of other exploration companies have conducted numerous
geochemical studies in the Maraon and neighboring Santiago and Huallaga Basins,
which have resulted in a wealth of data being available to evaluate and synthesize. These
studies are usually in the form of; 1) regional basin evaluations incorporating well and/or
outcrop data such as the extensive GeoMark (1996) and CoreLab (1996) studies, and 2)
analyses on individual wells carried out by exploration companies as part of their routine
well evaluation. The studies cover all aspects of geochemistry including, analyses to
evaluate potential source rocks, oil-source rocks correlations, classification of oils, basin
modeling to establish maturity levels, timing of hydrocarbon generation and alteration of
the oils, etc. For further information on the availability of geochemical reports the reader
is referred to Perupetros database, which includes a listing of all geochemical reports in
Perupetros technical archives.
One of the major conclusions drawn from these studies is in the recognition of two
significant petroleum source rocks that have generated the hydrocarbons found in the
Cretaceous Reservoirs of the Maraon Basin. These are, the Cretaceous Chonta/Raya
Formations and the Triassic/Jurassic Pucar Group. A third less known petroleum
system is also present with source rocks being noted within the Devonian Cabanillas
sequence. This system however is confined exclusively to southeastern portion of the
Basin.
Other conclusions generally accepted are; 1) The Chonta and Pucar source rocks in the
Basin and neighboring areas are sufficiently rich enough to have generated the
commercial amounts of hydrocarbons presently found in the oil fields of the Maraon
Basin in addition to a sizeable amount of as of yet, undiscovered reserves; and 2) A longrange migration from these source rock kitchen areas to reservoir is implied for the
accumulations found to date.
PARSEP as part of this study has completed a regional basin modeling project of the
Maraon Basin utilizing; its understanding of the regional geology; geochemical
analytical data from well reports; and, BasinMod Software from Platte River Associates.
Twenty wells were modeled from which, three cross-sections with maturity windows,
four present-day maturity maps for the top and bottom of the Chonta Formation and
Pucar Group, were constructed in addition to a present-day temperature gradient map,
and are presented in this report.
PARSEP had previously conducted a first pass of hydrocarbon generation modeling
through a funded geochemical study contracted out to ChemTerra Intl. Consultants (CTI)
in 2000, which is included in its entirety as Appendix 4a. This report gave us substantial
background on the significance of certain geological events as well as the necessary
parameters and data, which was refined by us as the study progressed for more precise
modeling. Examples of such were, the Permo-Triassic rifting event, the incorporation of
heat flow values, and the identification of the primary two pre-Cretaceous multiphase HC

79

generation and expulsion episodes. This multiphase HC generation occurred in the

Paleozoic and late Jurassic as documented within the Maraon 110 well, and had a main
effect on Pucar hydrocarbon generation. PARSEPs CTI (2000) study also attempted to
incorporate and integrate the excellent works previously performed by CoreLab (1996) in
their regional geochemical study on the Peruvian Sub-Andean basins, with those done by
Anadarko (1995) and Arco (1996).
CTI modeled two wells from the Maraon Basin, Forestal 1X and Maraon 110, two
from the Santiago Basin, Tanguintza 1X and Putuime 1X and one from the Huallaga
Basin, Ponasillo 1X. With the identification of the known stratigraphy and major events
at that time, it identified three major episodes of HC generation and migration. The first
event occurs during Carboniferous/early Permian time with the generation of
hydrocarbons from the Devonian Cabanillas and Ordovician Contaya Formations. CTI
questions the survival of this early hydrocarbon generation through time due to later
tectonics and over-maturity. The second event occurred in late Jurassic time, which
triggered Pucar hydrocarbon generation and maturing even more, the existing Paleozoic
source rocks locally beyond the gas window. The third hydrocarbon generation event
occurred during Neogene time and affected the Mesozoic and partially the Tertiary
sequences. It generated a second pulse of mature oil and gas from the Pucar where
Pucar hydrocarbon generation had not terminated. This episode also allowed the
Cretaceous Chonta to mature fully in the deep, western Maraon and adjacent
Santiago/Huallaga Basins. Chonta HC generation and migration, however, is an ongoing
process that has continued through to the present and can be recognized where older
heavily biodegraded oil containing high molecular HC is found next to the younger light
HCs.
In summary, CTI recognizes three principal source systems contributing to HC charge in
the Great Maraon Basin: 1st phase Pucar, 2nd phase Pucar, and the Chonta. They also
recognize a Pozo event as well but this is limited exclusively to the Santiago and
Huallaga Basins.
7.1.2 Source Rocks and Maturity
Based on TOC and Rock-Eval data nine formations from Ordovician age to the Tertiary
can be identified as/or potential source rocks in the Maraon Basin (Table 3):
Tertiary
Pozo Shale Formation with Type II Kerogens, locally developing into a Type I
Kerogen, this source rock may be restricted to the Santiago and the Huallaga
Basins, as low TOCs have been recorded in most parts of the Maraon Basin.
Cretaceous
Chonta Formation contains Type II and Type II-III Kerogens with TOC values
typically in the 2-3% range in the northern and NW areas of the Maraon Basin
Raya, Agua Caliente and Cushabatay Formations also have source characteristics,
but are mainly of Type III and III-II Kerogens.
Triassic/Jurassic
Pucar Group is a bituminous carbonate with interbedded organic rich shale
sections, which is found in the westernmost Maraon Basin and Huallaga areas.
80

Paleozoic
Ordovician Contaya and Devonian Cabanillas Formations are generally extremely
mature but still have moderate present-day TOC values in the SE Maraon.
Originally they were in the range of 2-4 wt% TOC.
Ambo/Tarma-Copacabana Formations consisting of marine shales and carbonates
located in the southern portion of the Basin.
The presence of a present-day kitchen for the Maraon oil is considered fairly certain
based on the interpreted tectonics, geologic history, geohistory modeling and oil
production data. Source rocks in the deep basin with widespread good source conditions
are rare although numerous shale samples in the Cretaceous section have TOC in excess
of 1.0 wt% and in exceptional cases, values over 3 wt%. In the Maraon Basin,
measured vitrinite maturities in the Cretaceous section do not exceed the late maturity oil
window. This is even in the deepest part of the Basin where the sediments are buried at
depths of up to 6000m. Sampling in the deep NW portion of the Basin, however, is
restricted to just the Chapuli and Yaez wells, which are 56 km apart. A similar distance
away from the Chapuli well to the west within the Santiago Basin, source rocks
conditions for the Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments improve considerably. The Pucar
Group has not been drilled in the deep Maraon Basin and our knowledge of source
conditions comes mostly from the SW Maraon and the Huallaga Basin.
Formation
Contaya
Cabanillas
Ambo
Tarma
Ene/
Copacabana
Pucara
Raya/
Cushabatay
Chonta
Pozo

Main Data
Source Basin
Maranon
Maranon
Ucayali
Ucayali
Ucayali

Max TOC
(%)
1
3
35
13.1
21.5

Freq. TOC
(%)
1.00
1-2
5-25
2-4
2-6

Max HI
9
145
483
165
673

Type II (?)
Type II (?)
Types II-III & II
Type III
Types II and II-III

All
All

12.5
65

2-5
2-7

538
227

Type II
Types III & III-II

Santiago/
Maranon
Santiago

5.8

2-3

642

Types II & II-III

2.4
4-7
491
Table 3: Summary of Source Rock Data

Freq. Kerogen Type

Type II-I

A summary of geochemical data categorized by age of the potential hydrocarbon source

rock is given in the following sections. To supplement this and included, as part of
Appendix 4a, is a geochemical database prepared by CTI.
7.1.2.1 Tertiary
Potential source rocks of Tertiary age are limited to the Pozo Shale. In the
Chapuli/Yaez area in the northwest Maraon and the La Frontera/Yarina area in the
southeast Maraon, it has TOCs less than 0.5 wt% and is in the early to very early
mature oil window. Locally, a TOC of 1.11 wt% was found in the Chapuli 1X well with
probable original type II/III kerogen. Source rock conditions for the Pozo Shales
improve significantly to the west within the adjacent Santiago Basin (TOC 4-10 wt% and
Type II potential oil source rocks). GC and GC-MS extract data indicates contributions
from mainly marine matter with minor terrigeneous content. Original Type II kerogens
81

of the above samples were preserved due to low thermal maturities, and they are
considered to be potential oil source rocks.
A shale at the basal Pozo Sand level in the La Frontera 1X well was defined as an
excellent Type II oil source rock with TOCs of 10.69 wt%, HIs of 480 mgHC/gTOC,
40% fluorescence and 45% non-fluorescence amorphous organic matter. This shale,
however, is in the immature to early-mature stage.
7.1.2.2 Cretaceous
The Cretaceous Chonta Formation in the Santiago (Peru) and Oriente Basins (Ecuador)
has been attributed to sourcing much of the oil in the greater northern Maraon/Oriente
Basin. The Cretaceous source rocks in the Maraon Basin show a great variety of TOC
values, in many cases in excess of 1.0 wt%. Several shale units with lower TOC contents
and dominantly Kerogen Type III materials as within the Raya, Agua Caliente and
Cushabatay Formations, probably contributed to oil generation and further enhanced the
Kerogen-Type II-III or III-II character of the oils. As a general statement it can be said
that the overall quality of the Cretaceous source rocks decreases from the north to the
south and southeast in the Maraon Basin, as coarse siliciclastic input increases
substantially as the Basin margins are approached.
Shales from the Chonta, Raya and Agua Caliente Formations in the Chapuli 1X/Yaez
1X area in the northwest Maraon Basin are in the early to mid-mature oil window at
depths of 5000m (0.62 - 0.76 %Ro). Some Chonta shales in the Chapuli well have
TOCs greater than 1.0 wt%, Tmaxs of 437-454C, and HIs of 61-136 mgHC/gTOC
original kerogen Type III. These samples are suggested to have generated minor amounts
of oil and gas (CoreLab, 1996).
In the southeast and south part of the Basin in the Yarina 1X and La Frontera 1X wells,
samples from the Chonta, Agua Caliente and Cushabatay Formations, have TOCs of
0.98, 0.82-2.38 and 0.55-1.77 wt%, respectively. No GC or GCMS extracts were
obtained for these samples, which are generally of Type III kerogens. These formations
are in the early mature oil window with less than 0.6 %Ro.
From samples of wells elsewhere in the Maraon Basin the Cretaceous can be seen with,
1) TOC higher than 1% and with Ro values within the oil generation window which is
placed at 0.65 %Ro, and 2) Sometimes exceptional high TOC values in the 3-6 wt%
range, as in the wells, Tangarana 1X (Chonta 4.0 wt%), Chambira Este1X (Vivian, 3.1
wt%), Belen 1X (Vivian and Chonta, 8.4 and 3.67 wt%), Palmera 1X (Chonta 6.0 wt%).
The vitrinite reflectance data from these wells are in the 0.45-0.95 %Ro range.
Bordering the western limit of the Maraon Basin in the Pongo de Manseriche, the
Cretaceous samples greatly improve with respect to their oil source potential. Here, the
Chonta samples are considered effective oil source rocks that have generated and
expelled oil. They have been recorded with TOCs of up to 3.23 wt%, HIs of 100-280
mgHC/gTOC, mature Tmaxs of 440-442C, Ros of 0.83% and composed of Type II
kerogens. GC and GC-MS extracts show a marine organic matter contribution and a
moderately anoxic depositional environment. At the same location, other Cretaceous
formations are mainly of Type II/III kerogens. The Raya was analyzed to have TOCs of
1.1-5.6 wt%, HIs 36-183 mgHC/gmTOC and Tmaxs of 442-451C, and the Cachiyacu

82

and Agua Caliente, TOCs of 0.9-1.2 wt%). These shales have probably generated some
oil and gas.
7.1.2.3 Triassic/Jurassic
Commercial oil accumulations in the southern Maraon Basin, the oil seeps Shanusi,
Tiraco and Callanayacu in the Huallaga Basin and the newly categorized oil seeps in the
Santiago Basin (CTI, 2000) are identified as Maquia/Samiria Family C oils and
correlated with Pucar source rocks (Figure 49). The Pucar Group, whose stratigraphy is
discussed in detail in section 4.3.2.3, consists of platform carbonates with a middle shale
unit, called the Aramachay Formation. This unit has historically been regarded as the
main source rock for the Maraon Basin Pucar generated oils. It should be noted,
however, that the geochemical data points to a pure carbonate and a shaly carbonate as
the source rocks for the Pucar oils (CTI, 2000). If this is the case, the organic richcarbonate facies in the lower and upper Formations of the Pucar Group, the Chambara
and Condorsinga Formations and a more carbonaceous Aramachay facies, must account
as the source for these oils.
Little is know on the subsurface distribution of potential Pucar source rocks and most of
the work done to date on its oil source potential, has been limited to outcrop work. The
Pucar has been drilled only in the SW Maraon in the Shanusi 1X well, Loreto 1X,
Santa Lucia 1X, and Orellana 1X, but with the exception of the Shanusi 1X well, all
others intersected continental/supratidal facies that have no source rock character. The
carbonates drilled by the Shanusi well had good reservoir properties and are interpreted
to be representative of an intertidal facies. To our knowledge no samples were ever
analyzed from this well to determine their source potential.
7.1.2.4 Paleozoic
The Paleozoic sequences of the Maraon are restricted to the south and southeast portion
of the Basin and here, a potential petroleum system with source rocks of the Devonian
Cabanillas Formation is recognized. Typically this formation displays good source rock
characteristics in the Peruvian Sub-Andean Basins, and has generated oil and gas.
Although no commercial production has been established in Peru from the Devonian, the
equivalent section is presumed to have sourced the high gravity crudes discovered to date
in the neighboring Solimoes and Acre Basins in Brazil.
Although these shales probably generated plenty of HC in the distant geologic past, due
to the geometry of the Maraon Basin, some source rocks of Contaya and Cabanillas
were subsequently only matured by Tertiary or Cretaceous burial.
In the La Frontera/Palmera/Tapiche area, the southernmost area in the Maraon Basin
with Paleozoic well penetrations (Figure 9), the Cabanillas source rocks are found to be
in a late-mature state. According to CoreLab (1996), the shales in the La Frontera 1X
well have a 1.11-1.19 %Ro, TOC of 0.34-4.70 wt%, HI of 15-149 mgHC/g TOC, and are
of Types II and III kerogens (75-95 % amorphous organic matter). These samples most
probably generated oil and gas (CoreLab, 1996). Anadarko (1995) on the other hand
analyzing the same sequence determined Ro values of 1.7-1.85 for the Cabanillas. In the
Tapiche and Palmera wells, Anadarko reports Devonian shales with 1.53 and 2.3 wt%

83

TOC that are barely within the uppermost main gas generation window with a 1.35 %Ro.
The kerogen is Type II lipid and oil prone.
The northernmost occurrence of Paleozoic rocks in the Maraon Basin occurs in the
Yarina/Maraon-110 area (Figure 9), where the Devonian section is over-mature with the
Cabanillas Shales having Ro values in the Yarina 1X well for example, in the 2.0-2.16
range. TOCs for the Cabanillas Shales measured in Yarina are of 1.47 wt% and are
considered to have probably generated oil and gas (CoreLab, 1996). Anadarko (1995)
again came up with conflicting numbers for the same well, determining lower TOC
values and more mature conditions with a 2.6%Ro. Anadarko also found highly overmature samples with Ro values over 3.0% for the Maraon 110-1 and Nahuapa 1X wells.
The TOC ranges for these wells were between 1.46-4.55 wt%.
Other Paleozoic potential source rocks noted in the southern Maraon Basin include the
Carboniferous Tarma Shales. These were found in the La Frontera 1X and Maraon 1101 wells and they may have as well, generated minor oil and gas. The samples analyzed
were found to have TOCs of 1.05 and 1.65 wt%, Ro values of 0.85% (mid-mature oil
window) and 1.1-1.45 % (late-mature oil window to main gas generation window), HIs
of 149 to 147, respectively and both of Type II/III kerogens. Other samples analyzed
from the Zapote and Tamanco wells were found to be over-mature with 2.5-3.07 Ro%
values (CoreLab 1996 and Anadarko 1995, Enclosure 3.1.4).
7.1.3 Oil Families
Two/three major genetic oil families are recognized in the northern Sub-Andean basins
based on geochemical studies of produced oil, oil seeps, and extracts from potential
source rock in wells and outcrops. The aerial distribution of these oil Families and
principal geochemical characteristics are presented in Figures 49 and 50 and Table 4.
The genetic oil Families show distinct character in whole oil gas chromatography GC,
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS, saturate and aromatic biomarkers
including some age specific biomarkers and carbon isotope 13C ratios on saturate and
aromatic fractions. Differences for classification of genetic families reflect changes of
source rock, organic facies, depositional environment and geologic age. All the oils were
generated from marine source rocks with dominant Type II kerogen with variable
amounts of algal, bacterial and minor terrigeneous organic matter, which characterized
individual depositional environments. All the oils have a maturity range of 0.80-0.95
%Ro.
These oil families are grouped as follows.
Maquia/Samiria Family C (Pucar Group) - Oil Family with two subfamilies
originating from pure carbonate and from shaly carbonate environments.
Tambo/Sungachi Families A and B (Chonta Formation) - Oil Family with two
oil subfamilies, one with more waxy (terrestrial organic matter) input than the
second.

84

T25

PUCARA WEDGE

Figure 49: Distribution of Oil Families in the Maraon, Santiago and Huallaga Basins with the Tambo/
Sungachi Family in the northern areas and the Maquia/Samiria Family in the south. Modified from
CTI (2000)
CUNAMBO

TANGARARA
FORESTAL
SAN JACINTO

FORESTAL EXT
CARMEN
SHIVIYACU
HUAYURI N

BARTRA
HUAYURI S.

CAPAHUARI N.
DORISSA
CAPAHUARI S.

YAEZ-1

JIBARO

JIBARITO

ANDOAS 52X

TAMBO

VALENCIA
HUASAGA

PAVAYACU

CHAPULI-1
FAMILY 2A

HUITOYACU-1

CAPIRONA
SUNGACHI-1

FAMILY 2B
CORRIENTES
FAMILY 1A
YANAYACU &
PASTOCOCHA

CHAMBIRA ESTE

FAMILY 1B

Figure 50: Detail of Oil Families in the northern Maraon Basin, modified from Arco (1996)

85

FAMILY
Reservoir
API
Sulfur Content (%)
Pristane/Phytane (Unaltered)
Hopanes/Steranes (Unaltered)
C27/ C29 Sterane
C28/ C29 Sterane
C24 Tetracyclics / C26 Tricyclics
C19 Tetracyclics / C23 Tricyclics
Dinosteranes
Diahopanes (X,Y,Z)
13 C Saturates (parts per mil)
13 C Aromatics (parts per mil)

A
Cretaceous
27.3
0.26
1.15
1.56
1.35
1.27
0.19
0.13
Present
Present
-25.3
-23.9

B
Cretaceous/Tertiary
15.4 - 36.4
0.13 - 0.76
1.27 - 1.29
0.95 - 1.05
1.24 - 1.43
1.05 - 1.29
0.30 - 0.42
0.18 - 0.57
Present
Present
-27.2 to 28.3
-26.2 to 26.6

C
Cretaceous
13.9 - 35.8
0.16 - 0.77
0.70 - 1.05
2.5 - 3.27
0.98 - 1.06
0.55 - 0.72
0.66 - 0.86
0.18 0.61
Present
Present
-28.4 to 29.4
-28.4 to 28.9

GC, Biomarker, and C-Isotope data of each family include:

A - Sungachi 1X
B - Piuntza 1X, Putuime 1X, Tambo 1X
C - Huasaga 1X, Chambira Este 1X, Yanayacu 61XCD, Samiria
1X, Maquia 12, Corrientes 1X, Shanusi seep
Table 4: Geochemical Characteristics of Genetic Oil Families in the Maraon, Santiago and Huallaga
Basins (CoreLab, 1996)

7.1.3.1 Maquia/Samiria oil Family (Family C)

Biomarker data analysis reveals a pure Kerogen Type II carbonate and a shaly carbonate
source for the Maquia/Samiria oil Family. Basic biomarker assemblages of the Maquia
oils (including its 2nd charge of light oil) and Samiria oils identify a remarkable identical
source rocks for these oils that substantially differentiate them from all other oils found in
the Greater Maraon Basin (Figures 51 and 52). A partial mismatch is expected
considering the fact that the two oils fields are 300 km apart and in different present-day
basins.
Among the biomarker characters to differentiate the oil families and
environments, is the C24-Tetracyclic Terpane (Tet). An extreme dominance of Tet
corresponds to an oil sub-family of pure marine carbonate environment, separating it
from a second oil sub-family with moderate Tet dominance reflecting some shale
presence within this carbonate. Additionally, among the seeps bordering the Maraon
Basin, the Tiraco Dome Seep is a Samiria oil type based on basic geochemical criteria
and specific biomarker profiles. This is also supported by very reduced Diasterane levels,
which may reflect a reducing pure carbonate environment. The Tiraco Dome Seep is
definitively not derived from a Cretaceous terrestrial source. The bimodal n-alkane
distribution in Maquia-type oils in some reservoirs defines two phases of HC generation
and expulsion, the second being a high mature charge. It is interesting to note
identification of Maquia oil Family in the Chingana and Ipacuma Seeps in the Santiago
Basin.
7.1.3.2 The Tambo/Sungachi Oil Family (Families A and B)
The Tambo/Sungachi oil family is derived from a Kerogen Type II-III source rock
deposited in an open, anoxic depositional environment. The subfamily Tambo oil has a
slightly higher terrestrial influence with more land plant derived biomarker compounds
than the Sungachi oil Sub-family. No regional trends for the respective sub-families can

86

Figure 51: Comparison of Sterane biomarker patterns of Sungachi and Tambo oils. Note close
correlation due to close genetic relationship. (Modified from CTI, 2000).
Figure 52: Distribution patterns of C25 and C26 Tricyclic Trepanes (T25 and T26) and C24-Tetracyclic
Terpane (Tet) in Sungachi 1,Samiria oils and Tiraco Dome Seep (Modified from CTI, 2000).

87

be established with available biomarker data. In Tambo/Sungachi type oils, Tet is always
reduced compared to the two Tricyclic Terpanes T25 and T26 (Figure 52).
7.1.3.3 Other Oil Family Studies
Arco (1996) and Anadarko (1995) reached similar conclusions regarding the
classification of oil families. Anadarko conducted a geochemical study through DGSI
Total Quality Geochemistry, and focused on the pre-Cretaceous sequences. They also
identified three genetic oil families A, B and C utilizing similar geochemical
characterization, and their distribution in the Basin, but attributed all three oil families as
having been generated primarily by source rocks of the Pucar Group. They state,
however, that Families A and B, have a very strong overprint from the Cretaceous Chonta
generated oils that are present in lesser amounts than those from Pucar. They do not
consider the Chonta source rocks to be good enough within the defined kitchen area

Figure 53: Oil Families in the Maraon Basin Crude oils, from Arco (1996)

(areas with %Ro > 0.65) to have generated the amount of known oil reserves.
Additionally they suggested that since old closures present in the kitchen area at the time
of Cretaceous oil migration were not filled and have only traces of hydrocarbons, this
was further evidence with respect to the lack of importance of the Cretaceous aged source
rocks. Anadarko, however, neglect the possibility of long-distance migration for the
Chonta generated oils as they have so readily assumed for the Pucar oils which
originated at least as far west as the present-day western margin of the Maraon Basin.
Arco (1996) limited their study to the oil production in the northern Maraon Basin only.
Here they recognized two major oil families each with two subfamilies, using stable
carbon isotopes and biomarkers (Figure 53). Family 1 oils are characterized by lighter
isotopes and higher proportion of C29 steranes than Family 2 oil. Oil-source rocks
correlation is depicted as originating primarily from the Chonta Formation. As their
sampling was limited primarily to the northern Maraon, their study was not influenced
88

by the abundance of Pucar sourced oils in the more southern production areas of the
Maraon Basin.
7.1.4 Oil/Oil and Oil Source Correlations
The Pucar Formation is identified as the source for the Maquia/Samiria Oil Family and
the Chonta Formation for the Tambo/Sungachi Oil Family as indicated by near perfect
correlations of biomarker profiles in rock and oil samples (CTI, 2000). Figures 51 shows
an excellent correlation of biomarkers between Tambo and Sungachi type oils and Figure
52 shows the differences between the two oil families, Pucar (Maquia/Samiria) and
Chonta (Tambo/Sungachi) sourced oils, using Tet values. As part of their evaluation,
source rock logging by CTI, utilizing wireline logs in five Maraon wells identified the
two prominent source rock sequences in the Chonta (Family A and B) but revealed no
additional, major source intervals that would be of significance.
In conclusion effective major source rocks of the Pucar Group and Chonta Formation
are present bordering the Maraon Basin. Oils sourced from the Pucar Group are
largely confined to the southern Maraon Basin and the Chonta Formation sourced oils
are limited to the northern Maraon Basin. The role of the Paleozoic source formations in
the SE Maraon Basin is still not clear.
7.1.5 Migration of Hydrocarbons
The distribution of the oil families and maturities of Chonta and Pucar effective source
rocks in the Maraon Basin fields, defines a regional NE migration pathway as seen in
Figure 54. This HC migration pathway is outlined by a clear distinction in the
distribution of oil families, the identification of their respective source beds, and specific
geochemical observations. Lateral migration distances of over 150 km from the principal
kitchen areas in the northern and northwestern part of the Maraon Basin, the Santiago
Basin and the Oriente Basin in Ecuador to the reservoired Chonta oils, is well established.
Migration distances of Chonta oils may even be further should the oils in the Barrett
Block 67 have originated from the same source (primary + secondary migration) and not
be the product of a recent, charge from marginally mature Chonta source rocks much
more proximal. Whether these oils are biodegradated older remigrated Chonta oils or
more locally derived under mature Chonta oils is still unresolved.
The Maquia/Samiria Pucar oils were generated in a kitchen area covering large parts of
all basins and a subsequent northeastern migration route explains their wide distribution.
There is a remarkable alignment of structures that have trapped Pucar oils after long
lateral migration from the west, with the eastern border of the Pucar subcrop as shown in
Figures 49 and 54.
HC remigration is not adequately addressed for the Peruvian oil fields. A factor
complicating the understanding is the issue of young hydrocarbon recharge. In the
Maraon Basin many young and adjacent old structures both contain oil, which is often
explained by remigration. Source and circumstances of this remigration is not clear, and
a critical reader is left to speculate to what degree certain geochemical data (and
interpretations) are influenced from a second pulse of generation and migration.

89

CHONTA
BLOCK 67

PUCARA
CHONTA

PUCARA

Figure 54: Migration pathways of Chonta and Pucar oils in the Maraon/Oriente Basin. Note
orientation of oil fields and Pucar subcrop. Modified from CTI (2000)

7.2 THERMAL MATURITY AND HC GENERATION MODELING

7.2.1 Introduction
PARSEP completed basin modeling histories for 20 wells in the Maraon Basin
(Figure 55), to determine the regional geothermal history in the Basin and the timing
of hydrocarbon migration. Burial history diagrams, maturity versus depth and/or time
charts are presented for modeled wells, which include; Chambira Este 1X (123-3X),
Chapuli 1X, Corrientes 1X, Forestal 1X (3X), Jibaro 1X, La Frontera 1X (3X),
Loreto 1X, Mahuaca 1X (3X), Maraon 110-1, Orellana 1X (3X), Piraa 1X, Santa
CH
Catalina 1X (2X),
Santa Lucia 1X (2X), Shanusi 1X (2X), Tapiche 1X (2X),
Tucunare 1X, ON
Valencia
1X (25X), Yanayacu 1X (27X), Yaez 1X and Yarina 1X
TA
(2X) wells. Wells in bold have vitrinite reflectance data which was used to fit
maturity models. The three cross-sections in Figure 54 show present-day maturity
versus depth data throughout the Basin.
Before the basin modeling project began, a detailed revision of the stratigraphic units
drilled in the Maraon Basin was completed to standardize formation names. Seismic
interpretation was in progress at that time and the preliminary interpretation gave
90

Dorado 1X

Piraa 1X
Piraa 1X

Cunambo 1
Arabela 1X

Forestal

CROSS SECTION 1

3X

Tangarana 1

Forestal Extension 1

San Jacinto 01
Forestal 01
Shiviyacu Norteste 1
Carmen Central 5X
Carmen 1
Bartra 01
Shiviyacu
01 1X
Pilar
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
Huayuri 19X
Macusari 1X

Jibaro 1X

Huayuri S 33X

Tigre 1

Capahuari Norte 1

Jibaro 1X
Capahuari Central 1

Dorissa 01

Jibarito 27X

Capahuari S 01

Jibarito Sur X 1

Tucunare
1X
PUCARA
Ceci X 1

Tambo
1 XD 1
Tambo
Sur

Yanez 1X

Margarita 1X

Andoas 1

Maynas 1X

Tucunare 1X

Bolognesi 1

Yanez 1

Martha X 1

Huasaga 1

Valencia 25X

Plantayacu X 1

Valencia 1
Nueva Esperanza 1

Pucacuro 1
Tuncheplaya X 1

Otorongo X 1
Pavayacu X 3
Tigre 131X

Chapuli 1X

Nanay 26X
Intuto 23X

Huangana102X

Capirona 2X

Chapuli X-1
Huitoyacu 2X

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Sungachi 1X

Corrientes

1X

Belen 4

San Juan 1

Chambira 4X

Copal 19X
Corrientes X 1
Aerico 1

Chambira Este 123-3X

Chambira Este 123

Caterpiza 1X

Zorro 1X

Tigrillo 1

Piuntza 1
Limonyacu 1X
Ungumayo 1

Nahuapa 1
Santa Martha 1X

Patoyacu 1

M aranon 110-1

Putuime 1 Dominguza 1

M ahuaca

1X

Maranon 110
Mahuaca X 1

Cuinico N 1

Concordia 17X

Nucuray 1

Manseriche 1X
Pupuntas 1X

Diana Mae 1
anguintza 1X

Pauyacu 1
Cuinico S 1

Yanayacu 27X
Maranon 22 1

Maranon 1

Yanayacu 27X

Yarina 2X

Pastococha 1X
Yanayacu Sur 2X
Bretana 1

Yanayacu Sur 2X

CROSS SECTION 2

Envidia 1

Samiria 5X

Viracocha X 1

Yarina 1

Zapote 3X
Samiria Sur 3X

Tapiche 2X

Tamanco 1

Yurimaguas 2-1

Loreto 1

Shanusi 2X

Loreto 1X

Tapiche 1

Palmera 1

Shanusi 1
Santa Elena 1
Palo Seco 1X

Santa Lucia 2X
Santa Lucia 1

La Frontera 1

La Frontera 3X

Santa Catalina 2X
Santa Catalina 2X

CROSS SECTION 3

Orellana 3X

Orellana 3X

Santa
Clara 1
Santa Clara
1A
Rayo 1

Figure 55: Index map of Maraon Basin wells which were modeled with BasinMod and cross sections
with present day maturity depths

additional insight to the pre-Cretaceous subcropping events to complete the geologic

column. The first major conclusion based on that review was that there is not a unique
pre-Cretaceous stratigraphic sequence underlying the Tertiary/Cretaceous section in the
entire Maraon Basin. In general, the Tertiary/Cretaceous section in the Basin
unconformable overlies sediments of, 1) Triassic/Jurassic age in the NW, W and SW, 2)
Paleozoic age in the SE, and 3) Basement immediately W and SW of the Iquitos Arch,
with a thin possibly Paleozoic unit overlying the basement in the area where most of the
oil fields are located. Erosional and depositional wedges of various units played an
important role in the geohistory burial.
The major events identified for basin modeling included erosional episodes at the end of
Paleozoic and Jurassic time (pre-Cretaceous), at the end of Paleogene time (post
Yahuarango Formation) and Neogene Tertiary/Quaternary erosion. The time break in the
Cretaceous/Tertiary contact does not affect modeling and it is interpreted as a general
continuous transition in most of the Basin. The complex Paleozoic tectonic and
stratigraphic history is well understood, but for our regional modeling project it was
treated as one generalized mega-cycle. Modeling was conducted with the principal

91

Figure 56: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Chonta level
Figure 57: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Chonta level. Maturity increases to
the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at shallow depths

92

Figure 58: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Pucar level.
Figure 59: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Pucar level. Maturity increases to
the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at shallow depths

93

Figure 60: Present day maturity in the northwestern and northern Maraon Basin

94

Figure 61: Present day maturity in the southwestern and central Maraon Basin

95

Figure 62: Present day maturity in the southern and southeastern Maraon Basin. A pre-Cretaceous
maturity history is implied east of the Santa Lucia 2X well

96

source rocks being the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya Formations and the Triassic/Jurassic
Pucar Group.
Three general burial models with minor local variations fit measured maturity data in
each of the three areas mentioned above. Formations and events for basin modeling were
individualized according to the stratigraphic column for each well and then grouped.
Preliminary basin modeling runs were performed to finally group wells by areas with
similar stratigraphic sequences.
7.2.2 Present-Day Maturity
The modeling completed for the 20 wells, outlines the regional maturity conditions of the
source rock sequences of Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic age. Present day modeled
maturities versus depths in the Maraon Basin are presented in four maps for top and
bottom of the Chonta and Pucar Formations (Figures 56, 57, 58 and 59), and three crosssections (Figures 60, 61 and 62). Most of the stratigraphic section in the Maraon Basin
was subjected to continuous burial and subsequent maturation during Mesozoic and
Cenozoic time. This maturation history was superimposed on a previous maturation
burial of a thick Paleozoic section present in the southeastern portion of the Basin.
The deep west and northwestern Maraon Basin remained buried during and after the
main Andean uplift. In these areas, the Pucar and Cretaceous source rocks
continuously reached the late- and mid-mature oil windows at depths in excess of
6000 and 5000m, respectively.
The Cretaceous source rocks reached the early- to mid-mature oil windows in most of
the Maraon Basin. A late-mature oil window was reached in the Mahuaca well and
the Piraa well areas (Figures 56 and 57). Basin modeling suggests an increase of
heat flow equivalent to an erosional event of 1000m of uppermost Tertiary sediments
in the eastern portion of the Basin where the Cretaceous sequence reached the late- to
mid-mature oil window. The Cretaceous section overlies a shallow Basement on the
Iquitos Arch.
The top of the Pucar Group reached the late-mature oil window in the northwest
Maraon in the Chapuli and Yaez area and to the southwest in the Shanusi area (Figure
58) and the gas window in the Mahuaca area. At the bottom of the Pucar, the main gas
generation window was reached in the west and southwest portions of the Basin in the
Mahuaca/Shanusi/Loreto/ Orellana well area (Figure 59). Less mature late- and midmature oil windows are reached in a NW/SE belt west of the Maraon production
areas and in the Chapuli area.
The Paleozoic section in the southeast Maraon Basin reached the main gas
generation window prior to deposition of the Cretaceous section. This area had a
major uplift and erosional episode that removed a thick Paleozoic section locally in
excess of 3000m, with less matured conditions. Also, Paleozoic blocks preserved latemature conditions where protected in grabens as in the Tapiche 2X well.
Figure 60 is a cross-section covering the W, NW and NE portions of the Maraon Basin.
Modeling indicates the Pucar Group to be in the late-mature oil window in the
Chapuli/Yaez area, and to the north of the Mahuaca well where depths exceed 6000m.
Potential source rocks in the Chonta Formation are in the mid-mature oil window at some
4500m in the deep western Maraon Basin and in the late-mature oil window to the east
97

in the Piraa well. The Pozo Shale is basically in the early-mature oil window
throughout the Basin except in the Piraa well area where it reaches the mid-mature oil
window. Proximity to a much higher heat flow source is suggested here at this later
location.
The cross-section in Figure 61 covers the southwest, central and northern Maraon Basin.
The Pucar Group is in the main gas generation window, just past the late-mature oil
window in the Shanusi well near the Andean Fold Thrust Belt, a condition that continues
to the east at the Loreto well before Pucar pinches out. The Pucar Group pinches out
east of the Loreto well and is absent in the remaining wells in the cross-section. The
Shanusi and Loreto wells acquired their present-day maturity before the area was uplifted
during the last stages of the Andean orogeny. The cross-section shows a remarkable
imprint of maturity in the Loreto well. The Raya Formation is in the mid-mature oil
window throughout the entire cross-section and the Chonta Formation reaches this stage
locally at the Loreto and Yanayacu wells but in general, is within the early-mature oil
window. The Pozo Shale only reaches the mid- to uppermost early-mature oil window in
the southwest and central Basin.
The cross-section in Figure 62, in the south and southeastern portions of the Basin, shows
two major maturity burial episodes. Mitu and post-Mitu deposition prevented removal of
the Paleozoic section in the area of the Orellana, Santa Catalina and Santa Lucia wells.
As a result, most of the Paleozoic and the Pucar Group reached the main gas generation
window and the overlying section reached less mature stages before the Andean uplift.
The Orellana and Santa Catalina wells acquired their present-day maturity at greater
depths before this Andean uplift. In the area to the east of the Santa Lucia well, the
Paleozoic section reached the main gas generation window before the Cretaceous rocks
were deposited. Most of the Cretaceous rocks are within an early-mature oil window.
They overly a highly eroded Paleozoic section that reached the main gas generation
window in the La Frontera well, and even the bottom of the main gas generation window,
as seen in the Yarina and Maraon wells. The Paleozoic section that had reached lateand mid- mature oil levels was eroded off. Locally, the Paleozoic still maintains a lateand mid-mature oil window as in the Tapiche well. The Pozo Shale barely reached the
uppermost early-mature oil window in the Orellana and Yarina wells.
7.2.2 Thermal Maturity and HC Generation Modeling
A detailed description of the hydrocarbon generation models used for the twenty
evaluated wells across the Maraon Basin is given below listed in alphabetical order.
Refer to Figure 55 for location of these wells.
7.2.2.1 Chambira Este 1X (123X) Well
The Chambira Este 123X well was drilled in 1989 to a depth of 4429m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 5. The well is located a few
kilometers east of the Pucar subcrop edge and the only potential source rocks in the well
are within the Cretaceous/Tertiary section.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 63 and
64. The Raya Formation entered the early- and mid-mature oil windows in late
Paleogene and early Neogene time, (26 and 7my, respectively). The Chonta and Pozo

98

Shale Formations reached the early-mature oil window in early Miocene and Pliocene
time (17 and 4.4 my, respectively).
Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion3
UpperTertiaryEroded
UpperTertiary
PozoShale
Hiatus2
Erosion2
YahuarangoEroded
Yahuarango
Vivian
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay
Hiatus1
Erosion1
SarayaquilloEroded
Sarayaquillo
TD

Type

Begin Age Well Top

(my)

E
D
F
F
H
E
D
F
F
F
F
F
F
H
E
D
F

5
8.5
36.6
54
55
58
61.3
65.5
76
90.4
97
112
142
148
150
160
175

(m)

Present
Thickness
(m)

0
2757

2757
137

2894
3214
3335
3593
3854
3939

320
121
258
261
85
285

4224
4429

400

Table 5: Chambira Este 123X Well Formations and Events

Figure 63: Maturity burial in Chambira Este 123X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta in the earlymature oil window and the Cretaceous Raya in the mid-mature oil window

99

Figure 64: Maturity versus Time plot in the Chambira Este 123X Well

7.2.2.2 Chapuli 1X Well

The Chapuli 1X well was drilled in 1982 to a depth of 5197 m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 6.
Present
Formation
Type
Begin Age Well Top
Thickness
or
(m)
(m)
Event Name
(my)
Erosion2
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
7.7
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
2969
PozoShale
F
54
2969
213
Yahuarango
F
65.5
3182
976
Vivian
F
76
4158
109
Chonta
F
90.4
4267
451
Agua Caliente
F
97
4718
216
Raya
F
112
4934
86
Cushabatay
F
142
5020
500
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
162.5
Sarayaquillo
F
175
5520
500
Pucara
F
229
6020
600
TD
5197
Table 6: Chapuli 1X Well Formations and Events

100

Figure 65: Maturity burial in Chapuli 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, all
Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the late-mature oil window.

Figure 66: Maturity versus Time plot in the Chapuli 1X Well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 65 and
66. The Pucar unit entered the early-mature oil window in the Late Cretaceous (84 my),
the mid-mature oil window in early Paleogene time (51 my), the late-mature oil window
in Miocene time (16 my).
101

The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in Paleogene time
(50 and 38 my) and the mid-mature oil window in Miocene time (18 and 14 my). The
Pozo Shale Formation reached the early-mature oil window in Miocene time (12 my).
7.2.2.3 Corrientes 1X Well
The Corrientes 1X well was drilled in 1971 to a depth of 3835m. The stratigraphic
section and events are presented in Table 7. Similar to the Valencia 25X well, the
Corrientes 1X well is located east of the Pucar subcrop/pinchout and the potential source
rocks considered for modeling are within the Cretaceous/Tertiary section. Additionally, a
pre-Cretaceous conglomerate underlies the Cretaceous section in this area, which rest on
basement.
Formation
Type
Begin Age Well Top Present
or
Thickness
(my)
(m)
(m)
Event Name
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
11.9
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
2347
PozoShale
F
54
2347
128
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
61.9
Yahuarango
F
65.5
2475
221
Vivian
F
76
2696
139
Chonta
F
90.4
2835
243
Agua Caliente
F
97
3078
247
Raya
F
112
3325
66
Cushabatay
F
142
3391
257
PreK
F
260
3648
187+
TD
3835
Table 7: Corrientes 1X Well Formations and Events

Figure 67: Maturity burial in Corrientes 1X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the top and
middle of the early-mature oil window and the Raya the top of the mid-mature oil window

102

Figure 68: Maturity versus Time plot in the Corrientes 1X Well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 67 and
68. The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in early and
mid Pliocene time (22 and 15 my). The Raya Formation also reached the mid-mature oil
window in Pliocene time (4 my). The Pozo Shale Formation reached the early-mature oil
window in Pliocene time (4 my).
7.2.2.4 Forestal 1X (3X) Well
The Forestal 3X well was drilled in 1973 to a depth of 3653m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 8.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 69 and
70. The Forestal 3X well is located in an area to the east of the Jurassic/Pucar edge and
potential source rocks utilized in the modeling are those of Cretaceous and Tertiary age.
A pre-Cretaceous unit overlying Basement has suspected measured maturities of 1.1%Ro
given a pre-Cretaceous maturity episode different than that for the Tertiary/Cretaceous
sequence. In the Forestal area, seismic does not support the presence of a complete
Paleozoic section. A thin pre-Cretaceous unit overlies Basement, which in turn is
overlain by the Cushabatay Formation with an erosional event stripping off the original
Sarayaquillo/Pucar section. It is very likely that a Basement high prevented deposition
of the Paleozoic section. The dual maturity suggests an event with some 3000m of
erosion, which is difficult to interpret based on available seismic data. The modeling uses
an erosion event that removed no more than 1500m of sediments and additionally we
interpret the vitrinite to be affected by oxidation during a long period of erosion prior to
Cretaceous deposition and by a 90m+ thick volcanic bed underlying the pre-Cretaceous
unit at the well TD.
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in early Miocene
time, (22 and 18 my respectively), and the mid-mature oil window in Miocene time (19
103

and 16 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation reached the top of the early-mature
oil window in Pliocene time (2 my).
Formation

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

or
(my)
(m)
Event Name
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
13.7
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
PozoShale
F
54
2032
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
58.6
Yahuarango
F
65.5
2213
Vivian
F
76
2729
Chonta
F
90.4
2769
Agua Caliente
F
97
2952
Raya
F
112
3089
Cushabatay
F
142
3150
Hiatus1
H
155
Erosion1
E
178
PreKEroded
D
236.6
PreK
F
260
3287
TD
3653
Table 8: Forestal 3X well Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

2032
181

516
40
183
137
61
137

600

Figure 69: Maturity burial in the Forestal 3X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window and
all the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil windows

104

Figure 70: Maturity versus Time plot in the Forestal 3X Well

7.2.2.5 Jibaro 1X Well

The Jibaro 1X well was drilled in 1974 to a depth of 3899m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 9.
Well Top

Begin Age

Present
Thickness
(m)

Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion3

Type

UpperTertiaryEroded

13.0

UpperTertiary

36.6

2242

PozoShale

54

2242

184

Hiatus2

55

(m)

(my)

Erosion2

58

YahuarangoEroded

58.6

Yahuarango

65.5

2426

497

Vivian

76

2923

57

Chonta

90.4

2980

202

Agua Caliente

97

3182

152

Raya

112

3334

68

Cushabatay

142

3402

155

Sarayaquillo
Paleozoic
TD

F
F

175
229

3557
3753
3899

196
146+

Table 9: Jibaro 1X Well Formations and Events

105

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 71 and
72. The Jibaro 1X well is also located in an area to the east of the Pucar edge and the
source rocks utilized in the modeling, are those of Cretaceous and Tertiary age.

Figure 71: Maturity burial in the Jibaro 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window and all
the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window

Figure 72: Maturity versus Time plot in the Jibaro 1X Well

106

The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in late Paleogene
and early Miocene time (24 and 19 my, respectively) and the Raya Formation reached the
top of the mid-mature oil window in late Miocene time (6 my). The Pozo Shale
Formation reached the early-mature oil window in Pliocene time (5 my).
7.2.2.6 La Frontera 1X (3X) Well
The La Frontera 3X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 3024m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 10.
Formation
or
Event Name

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

(my)
(m)
Erosion4
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
16
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
PozoShale
F
54
1497
Yahuarango
F
65.5
1576
Vivian
F
76
1611
Chonta
F
90.4
1743
Agua Caliente
F
97
2017
Raya
F
112
2223
Cushabatay
F
142
2316
Hiatus3
H
155
Erosion3
E
259.7
AmTarmaCopacabanaEroded
D
343.20
AmTarmaCopacabana
F
344
2572
Hiatus2
H
347
Erosion2
E
362.5
CabanillasEroded
D
385.8
Cabanillas
F
408.5
2590
Hiatus1
H
444
Erosion1
E
464
ContayaEroded
D
504.6
Contaya
F
510
2935
TD
3024
Table 10: La Frontera 3X Well Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

1497
79
35
132
274
206
93
256

18

345

59

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time and Depth plots are presented in
Figures 73, 74 and 75. Two sets of measured %Ro data are included in the model (Figure
75), which indicate the pre-Cretaceous section is in the late-mature oil window or in the
main gas generation window. Live oil shows recorded while drilling the Cabanillas
suggest the presence of either, original pre-Cretaceous oil or re-migrated hydrocarbons.
Using the more mature data, modelling indicates the potential source rocks in the
Devonian Cabanillas Formation entered the early- and mid-mature oil window in
Carboniferous time (315 and 294 my), the late-mature oil window and the main gas
generation window in early Permian time (277 and 266 my).
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in early and mid
Miocene time (22 and 12 my, respectively).

107

Figure 73: Maturity burial in the La Frontera 3X Well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early-mature oil window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation
window

Figure 74: Maturity versus Time plot in the La Frontera 3X Well

108

Figure 75: Maturity versus Depth plot in the La Frontera 1X Well

7.2.2.7 Loreto 1X Well

The Loreto 1X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 4157m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 11.
Formation
Well Top
Type
Begin Age
or
(m)
(my)
Event Name
Erosion2
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
27.2
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
PozoShale
F
54
801
Yahuarango
F
65.5
892
Vivian
F
76
1136
Chonta
F
90.4
1360
Agua Caliente
F
97
1742
Raya
F
112
2001
Cushabatay
F
142
2088
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
152.1
Sarayaquillo
F
175
2452
Pucara
F
229
3888
TD
4157
Table 11: Loreto 1X Well Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

801
91
244
224
382
259
87
364

1436
400

109

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 76
and 77. The Pucar Group entered the early-mature oil window in mid Jurassic (165
my), the mid-mature oil window in early Cretaceous (104 my), the late-mature oil
window in late Paleogene (30 my) and the main gas generation window in the mid
Miocene (15 my).

Figure 76: Maturity burial in the Loreto 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, the
Cretaceous Chonta and Raya in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar in the main gas generation
window

Figure 77: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Loreto 1X Well

110

The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in Paleogene time
(39 and 28 my, respectively) and the mid-mature oil window in mid to late Miocene time
(16 and 10 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation reached the early-mature oil
window in mid Miocene time (14 my).
7.2.2.8 Mahuaca 1X (3X) Well
The Mahuaca 3X well was drilled in 1985 to a depth of 5163m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 12.
Type
Begin Age Well Top
Formation
Present
or
Thickness
Event Name
(my)
(m)
(m)
Erosion2
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
5.7
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
3182
PozoShale
F
54
3182
187
Yahuarango
F
65.5
3369
667
Vivian
F
76
4036
183
Chonta
F
90.4
4219
478
Agua Caliente
F
97
4697
275
Raya
F
112
4972
82
Cushabatay
F
142
5054
400
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
153.3
Sarayaquillo
F
175
5454
1300
Pucara
F
229
6754
600
TD
5163
Table 12: Mahuaca 3X Well Formations and Events

Figure 78: Maturity burial in the Mahuaca 3X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, the
Cretaceous Chonta and Raya in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the top of the
main gas generation window

111

Figure 79: Maturity versus Time plot in the Mahuaca 3X Well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 78 and
79. The Pucar Group entered the early- and mid-mature oil windows in mid and late
Jurassic (170 and 155 my), the late-mature oil window in late Cretaceous time (86 my)
and the main gas generation window in early Paleogene time (56 my). Based on the
maturity data and according to the modeling, the Mahuaca 3X well is located in an area
where the Pucar Group acquired maximum maturity.
The Raya and Chonta Formations follow a similar early- to mid-maturity path as the
Pucar. They both entered the early-mature oil window in early Paleogene time (56 and
45 my, respectively), the mid-mature oil window in late Paleogene time (33 and 23 my,
respectively) and the late-mature oil window in mid and late Miocene time (11 and 5 my,
respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation reached the early mature oil window in mid
Miocene time (11 my).
7.2.2.9 Maraon 110-1 Well
The Maraon 110-1 was drilled in 1955 to a depth of 3516m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 13.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 80
and 81. The potential source rocks of the Devonian Cabanillas Formation entered the
early- and mid-mature oil windows in late Carboniferous time (310 and 295 my), the latemature oil window and the main gas generation window in early Permian (282 and 273
my). A measured average %Ro of 2.5 has been recorded in the Cabanillas and Contaya
samples from near the bottom of the hole.
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in early and mid
Miocene time (18 and 12 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation is immature.

112

Formation
or
Event Name

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

(my)
(m)
Erosion4
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
12
UpperTertiary
F
37
0
PozoShale
F
54
1891
Yahuarango
F
66
1990
Vivian
F
76
2045
Chonta
F
90
2203
Agua Caliente
F
97
2488
Raya
F
112
2662
Cushabatay
F
142
2690
Hiatus3
H
155
Erosion3
E
260
AmTarCopacabanaEroded
D
330
AmTarCopacabana
F
344
2911
Hiatus2
H
347
Erosion2
E
363
CabanillasEroded
D
391
Cabanillas
F
409
3048
Hiatus1
H
444
Erosion1
E
464
ContayaEroded
D
477
Contaya
F
510
3233
TD
3516
Table 13: Maraon 110-1 Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

1891
99
55
158
285
174
28
221

137

185

283

Figure 80: Maturity burial in the Maraon 110 Well shows the Chonta and Raya Formations in the
early-mature oil window, and Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation window

113

Figure 81: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Maraon 110 Well

7.2.2.10 Orellana 1X (3X) Well

The Orellana 3X well was drilled in 1997 to a depth of 4207 m. The stratigraphic section
and events are presented in Table 14. In the southern Maraon Basin the stratigraphic
Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion3
UpperTertiaryEroded
UpperTertiary
PozoShale
Hiatus2
Erosion2
YahuarangoEroded
Yahuarango
Vivian
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay
Hiatus1
Erosion1
SarayaquilloEroded
Sarayaquillo
Pucara
M itu
Ene
TarCopacabana

Type

E
D
F
F
H
E
D
F
F
F
F
F
F
H
E
D
F
F
F
F
F
TD

B egin Age

W ell Top

(my)

(m)

5
33,6
36,6
54
55
58
64,7
65,5
76
90,4
97
112
142
148
150
168,5
175
229
254
287
322

Present
Thickness
(m)

0
240

240
73

313
364
591
899
1319
1395

51
227
308
420
76
280

1675
1934
2480
3592
3803
4207

259
546
1112
211
404

Table 14: Orellana 3X Well Formations and Events

114

Figure 82: Maturity burial in the Orellana 3X Well shows the Pozo Shale at the top of the early-mature
oil window, the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya Formations in the early-and mid-mature oil windows,
respectively, and the Pucar in the late-mature oil window and top of the main gas generation window

Figure 83: Maturity versus Time plot in the Orellana 3X Well

section includes a thick section of upper Paleozoic, Permian-Jurassic, Cretaceous,

Tertiary and Recent sediments. Potential source rocks are found in the Paleozoic and
Pucar and to a lesser degree, in the Cretaceous/Tertiary sequence.

115

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 82 and
83. The Pucar unit entered the early-mature oil window in early Cretaceous (131 my),
the mid-mature oil window in the late Cretaceous (76 my), the late-mature oil window in
the late Paleogene (29 my) and the main gas generation window in late Miocene time (8
my).
The Raya Formation entered the early-mature oil window in Paleogene time (42 my) and
the mid-mature oil window in mid Miocene time (14 my). The Chonta Formation
entered the early-mature oil windows in early Miocene time (10 my) and the mid-mature
oil window in Pliocene time (3 my). The Pozo Shale Formation entered the top of the
early- mature oil window in late Miocene time before final uplift (5 my).
7.2.2.11 Piraa 1X Well
The Piraa 1X well was drilled in 1998 to a depth of 2116m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 14.
Formation

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

or
Event Name
(my)
(m)
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
22.4
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
PozoShale
F
54
1348
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
62.7
Yahuarango
F
65.5
1527
Vivian
F
76
1762
Chonta
F
90.4
1830
Agua Caliente
F
97
1927
Raya
F
112
1985
Cushabatay
F
142
2037
F
570
2104
Basement
TD
2116
Table 15: Piraa 1X Well Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

1348
179

235
68
97
58
52
67
12

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time and Depth plots are presented in
Figures 84, 85 and 86. The Piraa 1X well is located on the stable platform of the eastern
Maraon Basin where rocks of Cretaceous age rest directly over Basement.
According to the modeling, the Raya and Chonta Formations had a similar burial pattern.
Both formations entered the early-mature oil window in late Paleogene time (31 and 27
my, respectively), the mid-mature oil window in Miocene time (20 and 18 my,
respectively) and the late-mature oil window in late Miocene time (9 and 7 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation also reached the early- and mid-mature oil
windows in Miocene time (18 and 10 my). A projected main gas generation window can
be established at upper Basement depths

116

Figure 84: Maturity burial in the Piraa 1X well shows most of the Cretaceous in the late-mature oil
window and the Pozo in the mid-mature oil window

Figure 85: Maturity versus Time plot in the Piraa 1X Well

117

Figure 86: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Piraa 1X Well

7.2.2.12 Santa Catalina 1X (2X) Well

The Santa Catalina 2X well was drilled in 1997 to a depth of 2572m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 16.
Formation
Type
Begin Age
Well Top
Present
or
Thickness
Event Name
(my)
(m)
(m)
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
24.4
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
965
PozoShale
F
54
965
118
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
62
Yahuarango
F
65.5
1083
124
Vivian
F
76
1207
238
Chonta
F
90.4
1445
373
Agua Caliente
F
97
1818
234
Raya
F
112
2052
127
Cushabatay
F
142
2179
311
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
153.1
Sarayaquillo
F
175
2490
1400
Pucara
F
229
3890
500
TD
2572
Table 16: Santa Catalina 2X Well Formations and Events

118

Figure 87: Maturity burial in the Santa Catalina 2X well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early- and mid-mature oil windows, respectively, and the Pucar in the main gas
generation window

Figure 88: Maturity versus Time plot in the Santa Catalina 2X Well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 87 and
88. The Pucar Group entered the early-mature oil window in the early Cretaceous (146
119

my), the mid-mature oil window in the late Cretaceous (97 my), the late-mature oil
window in the Paleogene (55 my) and the main gas generation window early Miocene
time (17 my).
The Raya Formation entered the early-mature oil window in the late Paleogene time (32
my) and the mid-mature oil window in late Miocene time (8 my). The Chonta Formation
reached the early-mature oil window in early Miocene time (19 my). The Pozo Shale
Formation never reached the early-mature oil window before final uplift and remained
immature.
7.2.2.13 Santa Lucia 1X (2X) Well
The Santa Lucia 2X well was drilled in 1974 to a depth of 4475m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 16.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 89 and
90. The Pucar Group entered the early-mature oil window in the early Cretaceous (132
my), the mid-mature oil window in the late Cretaceous (81 my) and the late-mature oil
window in late Paleogene time (24 my).
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the Early-mature oil window in early to mid
Miocene time (20 and 12 my). The Pozo Shale Formation did not reach the early-mature
oil window before final uplift.
Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion3
UpperTertiaryEroded
UpperTertiary
PozoShale
Hiatus2
Erosion2
YahuarangoEroded
Yahuarango
Vivian
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay
Hiatus1
Erosion1
SarayaquilloEroded
Sarayaquillo
Pucara

Type

Begin Age Well Top

(my)

E
D
F
F
H
E
D
F
F
F
F
F
F
H
E
D
F
F

5
15
36,6
54
55
58
63,6
65,5
76
90,4
97
112
142
148
150
152,8
175
229

(m)

Present
Thickness
(m)

0
1781

1781
72

1853
1932
2121
2409
2627
2728

79
189
288
218
101
327

3055

1420
350

TD
4474,8
Table 17: Santa Lucia 2X Well Formations and Events

120

Figure 89: Maturity burial in the Santa Lucia 2X Well shows the Cretaceous mainly in the early-mature
oil window and the Pucar in the late-mature oil window

Figure 90: Maturity versus Time plot in the Santa Lucia 2X Well

121

7.2.2.14 Shanusi 1X (2X) Well

The Shanusi 2X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 4488m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 18.
Type
Begin Age Well Top Present
Formation
or
Thickness
Event Name
(m)
(my)
(m)
Erosion2
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
27.0
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
908
PozoShale
F
54
908
195
Yahuarango
F
65.5
1103
382
Vivian
F
76
1485
219
Chonta
F
90.4
1704
483
Agua Caliente
F
97
2187
259
Raya
F
112
2446
94
Cushabatay
F
142
2540
385
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
159
Sarayaquillo
F
175
2925
1545
Pucara
F
229
4470
600
TD
4488
Table 18: Shanusi 2X Well Formations and Events

Figure 91: Maturity burial in the Shanusi 2X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the earlymature oil window, the Raya Formation in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar between the latemature oil window and the main gas generation window

122

Figure 92: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Shanusi 2X well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 91
and 92. The Pucar unit entered the early- and mid-mature oil windows in the middle
Jurassic (171 and 158 my), the late-mature oil window in the early Paleogene (65 my)
and the main gas generation window in late Miocene time (6 my).
The Raya Formation entered the early-mature oil window in early Paleogene time (53
my) and the mid-mature oil window in mid Miocene time (11 my). The Chonta
Formation reached the early-mature oil window in the late Paleogene (33 my). The Pozo
Shale Formation reached the early-mature oil window in late Miocene time (9 my).
7.2.2.15 Tapiche 1X (2X) Well
The Tapiche 2X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 3938m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 20.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 93 and
94. Potential source rocks of the Devonian Cabanillas Formation entered the earlymature oil window in late Carboniferous time (313 my), the mid- and late-mature oil
windows in the early Permian (286 and 264 my), and the top of the main gas generation
window in the late Triassic (210 my), a condition that has prevailed to the present.
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in early and mid
Miocene time (20 and 11 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation remained
immature through its history.

123

Formation
or
Event Name

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

(m)
(my)
Erosion4
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
6.2
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
PozoShale
F
54
2118
Yahuarango
F
65.5
2198
Vivian
F
76
2273
Chonta
F
90.4
2387
Agua Caliente
F
97
2694
Raya
F
112
2857
Cushabatay
F
142
2923
Hiatus3
H
155
Erosion3
E
259.7
AmTarCopacabanaEroded
D
343.8
AmTarCopacabana
F
344
3158
Hiatus2
H
347
Erosion2
E
362.5
CabanillasEroded
D
368.8
Cabanillas
F
408.5
3158.1
Hiatus1
H
444
Erosion1
E
464
ContayaEroded
D
486.8
Contaya
F
510
3589
Basement
F
600
3740
TD
3938
Table 19: Tapiche 2X well Formations and Events

Present
Thickness
(m)

2118
80
75
114
307
163
66
235

0.1

430.9

151
198

Figure 93: Maturity burial in the La Frontera 3X Well shows the Cretaceous Chonta and Raya
Formations in the early-mature oil window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation
window

124

Figure 94: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Tapiche 2X Well

7.2.2.16 Tucunare 1X Well

The Tucunare 1X well was drilled in 1998 to a depth of 3653 m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 20.
Formation
Type
Begin Age Well Top Present
or
Thickness
Event Name
(my)
(m)
(m)
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
7.0
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
2810
PozoShale
F
54
2810
168
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
59.5
Yahuarango
F
65.5
2978
685
Vivian
F
76
3663
63
Chonta
F
90.4
3726
273
Agua Caliente
F
97
3999
168
Raya
F
112
4167
79
Cushabatay
F
142
4246
400
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
162.5
Sarayaquillo
F
175
4646
400
Pucara
F
229
5046
400
TD
3653
Table 20: Tucunare 1X Well Formations and Events

125

Figure 95: Maturity burial in Tucunare 1X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, the
Cretaceous between mid- and upper late-mature oil windows and the Pucar in the top of the main gas
generation window

Figure 96: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Tucunare 1X Well

126

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 95
and 96. The Pucar unit entered the early-mature oil window in the late Cretaceous (78
my), the mid-mature oil window in late Paleogene time (33 my), the late-mature oil
window in Miocene time (14 my), and the top of the main gas generation window also in
mid Miocene time (10 my).
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in late Paleogene
time (34 and 30 my, respectively), and the mid-mature oil window in early and mid
Miocene time (17 and 14 my, respectively). The Raya Formation also entered the latemature oil window in Pliocene time. The Pozo Shale Formation reached the early-mature
oil window in the Miocene (15 my).
7.2.2.17 Valencia 1X (25X) Well
The Valencia 25X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 3592m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 21. The well is located in an area to
the east of the Pucar subcrop/depositional edge and the source rocks utilized in the
modelling are those of Cretaceous and Tertiary age. Additionally, a pre-Cretaceous
conglomerate that rests on an old basement high underlies rocks of Cretaceous age.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time plot are presented in Figures 97 and
98. The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in late
Paleogene and early Miocene time (23 and 18 my, respectively). The Raya Formation
also reached the mid-mature oil window in late Miocene time (5.4 my). The Pozo Shale
Formation reached the early-mature oil window in late Miocene time (5.4 my).
Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion3
UpperTertiaryEroded
UpperTertiary
PozoShale

Type

Begin Age

Well Top

(my)

(m)

E
D
F
F

5
12.7
36.6
54

Hiatus2
Erosion2
YahuarangoEroded
Yahuarango
Vivian
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay

H
E
D
F
F
F
F
F
F

55
58
60.4
65.5
76
90.4
97
112
142

PreK
TD

Present
Thickness
(m)

0
2265

2265
190

2455
2800
2891
3117
3312
3371

345
91
226
195
59
182

3553
3592
Table 21: Valencia 25X Well Formations and Events

39+

260

127

Figure 97: Maturity burial in Valencia 25X Well shows the Pozo and Chonta Formations in the earlymature oil window and the Raya Formation in the mid-mature oil window

128

Figure 98: Maturity versus Time plot in the Valencia 25X Well

7.2.2.18 Yanayacu 1X (27X) Well

The Yanayacu 27X well was drilled in 1974 to a depth of 5172m. The stratigraphic
section penetrated and events are presented in Table 22.
Well Top
Present
Formation
Type
Begin Age
Thickness
or
(m)
(m)
(my)
Event Name
Erosion3
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
7.3
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
2972
PozoShale
F
54
2972
99
Hiatus2
H
55
Erosion2
E
58
YahuarangoEroded
D
61.3
Yahuarango
F
65.5
3071
193
Vivian
F
76
3264
159
Chonta
F
90.4
3423
277
Agua Caliente
F
97
3700
296
Raya
F
112
3996
113
Cushabatay
F
142
4109
377
Hiatus1
H
155
Erosion1
E
157
SarayaquilloEroded
D
164.2
Sarayaquillo
F
178
4486
393
Prek
F
256
4879
500
TD
5172
Table 22: Yanayacu 27X Well Formations and Events

Figure 99: Maturity burial in the Yanayacu 27X Well shows the Pozo Shale in the early-mature oil
window, the Cretaceous Chonta in the early- to mid-mature oil window and the Raya in the mid-mature
oil window

129

Figure 100: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yanayacu 27X Well

The well is located a few kilometers east of the Pucar subcrop/depositional edge and the
potential source rocks drilled by the well are only within the Cretaceous/Tertiary section.
The pre-Cretaceous formations consist of sandstones and a basal conglomerate with poor
source rock potential.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 99
and 100. The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in late
Paleogene and early Neogene time (32 and 23 my, respectively) and the mid-mature oil
window in mid- to late Miocene time (11 and 5 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale
Formation reached the early-mature oil window in mid Miocene time (13 my).
7.2.2.19 Yaez 1X (14X) Well
The Yaez 14X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 5040m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 23.
The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Depth plot are presented in Figures 101
and 102. The Pucar unit entered the early-mature oil window in the late Jurassic (151
my), the mid-mature oil window in early Paleogene time (52 my), and the late-mature oil
window in Miocene time (16 my).
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in Paleogene time
(50 and 38 my, respectively) and the mid-mature oil window in early and mid Miocene
time (18 and 14 my, respectively). The Pozo Shale Formation reached the early-mature
oil window in Miocene time (13 my).

130

Formation
Type
Begin Age Well Top
Present
or
Thickness
(my)
(m)
(m)
Event Name
Erosion2
E
5
UpperTertiaryEroded
D
5.8
UpperTertiary
F
36.6
0
3164
PozoShale
F
54
3164
183
Yahuarango
F
65.5
3347
958
Vivian
F
76
4305
63
Chonta
F
90.4
4368
381
Agua Caliente
F
97
4749
143
Raya
F
112
4892
90
Cushabatay
F
142
4982
400
Hiatus1
H
148
Erosion1
E
150
SarayaquilloEroded
D
162.5
Sarayaquillo
F
175
5382
500
Pucara
F
229
5882
600
TD
5040
Table 23: Yaez 14X Well Formations and Events

Figure 101: Maturity burial in the Yaez 14X Well shows the Pozo in the early-mature oil window, all
the Cretaceous in the mid-mature oil window and the Pucar mainly in the late-mature oil window
entering the top of the main gas generation window

131

Figure 102: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yaez 14X Well

7.2.2.20 Yarina 1X (2X) Well

The Yarina 2X well was drilled in 1975 to a depth of 3741m. The stratigraphic section
penetrated and events are presented in Table 24.
Formation
or
Event Name
Erosion4
UpperTertiaryEroded
UpperTertiary
PozoShale
Yahuarango
Vivian
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Raya
Cushabatay
Hiatus3
Erosion3
TarCopacabanaEroded
TarCopacabana
Hiatus2
Erosion2
CabanillasEroded
Cabanillas
Hiatus1
Erosion1
ContayaEroded
Contaya
Basement
TD

Type

E
D
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
H
E
D
F
H
E
D
F
H
E
D
F
F

Begin Age

W ell Top

(my)

(m)

5
16.9
36.6
54
65.5
76
90.4
97
112
142
155
259.7
311.2
317
340
362.5
368.4
408.5
444
464
509.8
510
600

Present
Thickness
(m)

0
1994
2120
2146
2292
2551
2725
2820

1994
126
26
146
259
174
95
214

3034

254

3288

348.9

3636.9
3637
3741

0.1
104

Table 24: Yarina 2X Well Formations and Events

132

Figure 103: Maturity burial in the Yarina 2X Well shows the Chonta and Raya in the early-mature oil
window and the Devonian Cabanillas in the main gas generation window

Figure 104: Detailed Maturity burial chart for the Yarina 2X Well

133

Figure 105: Maturity versus Depth plot in the Yarina 2X Well

The burial history diagram and Maturity versus Time and Depth plots are presented in
Figures 103, 104, and 105. Potential source rocks of the Devonian Cabanillas Formation
entered the early- and mid-mature oil windows in late Carboniferous time (303 and 291
my), the late-mature oil window and the main gas generation window in the early
Permian (281 and 274 my), and reached an over-mature stage before Cretaceous and
Tertiary deposition.
The Raya and Chonta Formations entered the early-mature oil window in Miocene time
(23 and 16 my, respectively).

7.2.3 Temperature Gradient

The present-day temperature Gradient map of the Maraon Basin in C/100m is
presented in Figure 106. Data is from all the New Field Wildcats (NFW) in the Basin
with additional values included from the Santiago Basin. A general trend from high to
low gradient values is established from the northeast to the deep west and southwestern
portion of the Basin. The lowest gradients are seen along the Fold Thrust Belt. The high
temperature gradients appear to be related to areas with shallow Precambrian Basement
as along the Iquitos Arch, and low gradients in areas of recent uplift.

134

A'

Pirana 1X
3.01

Forestal 1X
2.56

B'

Jibaro 1X
2.70

ECUADOR
Yanez 1X
2.58

Tucunare 1X
2.73
Valencia 1X
2.67

Chapuli 1X
2.45
Corrientes 1X
2.34

IQUITOS

Chambira Este 1X
2.17

C'

Maranon 110X
2.73

Mahuaca 1X
2.48

Yanayacu 1X
2.20
Yarina 1X
3.11

Shanusi 1X
1.62

Tapiche 1X
2.07

Loreto 1X
2.11

La Frontera 1X
Santa Lucia 1X
2.80
1.56
Santa Catalina 1X
Orellana 1X
1.94

BRAZIL

Figure 106: Temperature Gradient map in the Maraon Basin w/Data from over 100 NFW (only
modeled wells shown)

7.3 EXPLORATION CONCEPTS MARAON BASIN

The following section will present a discussion on past and present (PARSEP)
exploration models in the Maraon Basin. Additionally, as all exploration to date in the
Basin has been focused on Cretaceous siliciclasitic reservoirs, this study also emphasizes
the importance of defining new reservoir targets such as the Pucar carbonates to open up
new exploration areas in the Basin.
7.3.1 Historical Exploration Strategies for Oil Exploration in the Maraon Basin
One of the critical criteria in defining Cretaceous exploration targets historically in the
Maraon Basin was the presence of paleo-structures. The logic behind this is sound in
that the paleo-structures needed to be in place in the Early Tertiary, Peruvian or Incaic in
age (pre-Pozo time), to catch the primary and principal pulse of Chonta generated oils.

135

The example below (Figure 107), which has been extracted and modified from a
Perupetro in-house presentation, is a case in point where this approach was used to
explain a dry hole. This is a philosophy that has dictated exploration in Maraon Basin
for quite some time despite the numerous accumulations with,

No paleo-structure
Paleo-structures too small to account for the amount of presently trapped oil
Present day structures with well developed paleo-structures that are dry or with
insignificant oil columns.

Figure 107: Seismic Line through Huitayacu 1X Well showing present day structure (left) and a paleostructural section (right) which has been flattened on the Pozo. Note the absence of a paleo-structure
associated with the Huitayacu 1X Well

While much of the above at times is true, it is far from the full story. When the above
model didnt work, migration pathways, use of incorrect velocity models were often used
to explain the lack of success. This exploration model is believed to have originated
largely through a continuation of concepts developed in Ecuadors Oriente Basin to the
north and through analyses done on the oil fields of the Block 1AB area where apparently
there is a good correlation between old structures and oil accumulations. Unfortunately
little seismic data in the Block 1AB area was available to PARSEP (Figure 4) at the time
of this study to investigate this relationship further. Even with our minimal data set,
however, a number of inconsistencies with respect to early structuration model begin to
appear.
Seismic Line Oxy-23, is a long southwest to northeast regional line in the northern
Maraon Basin through Block 1AB, (Enclosure 29, Figures 108 and 109). It traverses
from west to east, the northern projection of the Capahuari structure (productive to the
south), the Macusari structure (dry), the Carmen structure (oil field) and the Forestal
136

Figure 108: Seismic Line Oxy-23 through several productive structures in the northern Maraon
Basin. The upper display is in present-day 2WT section and the lower display is flattened on the Pozo
showing structure development during early Tertiary time.

137

structure (oil field). The seismic line is shown in time structure and below, flattened on
the Pozo to highlight paleo-structures.
The two structures displaying significant paleo-structure are located on the western
portion of the seismic line within the Capahuari North (northern projection) and Macusari
structures. Capahuari is the largest oil field discovered to day in the Maraon Basin and
Macusari was a dry hole. As insufficient seismic was available to confirm the closure on
the Macusari structure, it is presently being assumed that the well was on a valid
structure. The Forestal field
was discovered on a somewhat
subtler feature developed along
the NW-SE trending hinge line
of the Maraon Basin. The
Carmen field where crossed by
the Oxy-23 line shows no
evidence of ancestral structural
growth.
Clearly from the
observations made just from
this seismic line, there is not a
simple one to one relationship
tying structures with ancestral
growth and present day
hydrocarbon accumulations.
Figure 109: Location of Seismic Line Oxy 23

Pursing this theme a little further, it is of interest how exploration remained focused on
the paleo-structure concept despite the successes further south in the Basin within the
Block 8 area of Petroperu on very
young structures. Two seismic
examples are presented of this in
Figures 110 and 111 through the
Corrientes
and
the
Capirona/Pavayacu
structures.
These examples and others are also
shown as part of Enclosure 28.
Obviously, other mechanisms are
in play in the Maraon Basin,
influencing the localization of the
hydrocarbon accumulations other
than just structures with ancestral
growth. In the following section of
this report, the paleo-trap concept
will be discussed further and
expanded upon to account for some
of the inconsistencies seen in the
Basin.
Figure 110: Seismic Line through the Corrientes structure showing present day structure (above) and
paleo-structure (below) which has been flattened on the Pozo. Productive reservoirs are highlighted.
Note the absence of paleo-structure.

138

Figure 111: Seismic Line through the Capirona and Pavayacu structures showing present day structure
(above) and paleo-structure (below) which has been flattened on the Pozo. Productive reservoirs are
highlighted. Note the absence of paleo-structure.

7.3.2 Revised Exploration Strategies for Oil Exploration in the Maraon Basin
This section is divided into sub-sections based on the ages of potential reservoirs groups.
As mentioned previously, almost all exploration in the Maraon Basin in the past has
been for Cretaceous reservoirs. Exploration success within the Cretaceous has
progressively diminished in the last 30 years since the first discoveries by Petroperu and
Oxy. In the context of this study, the Cretaceous has been studied with this in mind and
the focus was to introduce new concepts (logic is perhaps a better term) on how to better,
or differently, explore for these reservoirs. The remaining sub-sections, involve
sequences for which little is known in the subsurface of the Maraon Basin. The Pucar
Group is such an example. These sections are obviously discussed much differently than
that of the Cretaceous, which has an exploration history in the Basin extending back to
the 1950s.
7.3.2.1 Cretaceous
In the previous section 7.3.1 Historical Exploration Strategies for Oil Exploration in
the Maraon Basin, the concept of early migration of Chonta and Pucar generated oil
into structures with ancestral growth and how this concept has influenced exploration in
the Maraon Basin until the present, was discussed. Fundamentally, this concept is
correct but it falls short on several important fronts, which are addressed below.
Where oil has been found in younger structures, the explanation is one utilizing the
remigration of oil from an older breached accumulation. This is widely accepted and in
the context of this report, one of the most critical aspect for future oil exploration in the
Maraon Basin.
The shortcomings of the paleo-structure hypothesis as previously

139

interpreted, are that it misses two very important issues, large-scale paleo-stratigraphic
traps and paleo-structures that are no longer closed. As long as traps of both these styles
were in place and proximal to the later developing Andean Late Tertiary aged structures,
the remigration from these paleo-accumulations into younger aged structures is far from
difficult to imagine. Obviously, some of these paleo-traps would be coincidental with the
younger structures and others not. The key to exploration in the Maraon Basin is in the
definition of paleo-traps, not just structures, and in the remigration route of that
hydrocarbon during the Quechua deformation. Examples are given below.
Paleo-Stratigraphic Traps
In exploration, its a well-accepted fact that stratigraphic traps are much harder to define
than structural traps for obvious reasons. Looking for paleo-stratigraphic traps is even
more difficult still. One thing that is presently known, however, is the importance of a
stratigraphic trapping component to a number of Maraon producing fields. Examples of
this are,
Valencia no mappable closure
Nueva Esperanza no mappable closure
Pavayacu the Pona reservoir has been found to contain numerous sand bodies
not in pressure communication with one another (per. com. Pluspetrol)
Dorisa, Shiviyacu (per. Comm. R. Bolaos, Perupetro)
With this in mind, it is not hard to imagine the presence of large-scale stratigraphic traps
and perhaps their dominance over structural traps, in pre-Quechua time when the Basin
was structurally much simpler. Despite the difficulty, there is still seismic evidence to
suggest that conditions in the Cretaceous during pre-Quechua time would be conducive to
the development of stratigraphic traps.
The best example currently identifying the one-time presence of a paleo-stratigraphic trap
is in the Block 1AB area on seismic line Oxy 23 which is shown in Figure 108 and
Enclosure 29. The seismic insert, which is outlined on Figure 108 and shown in Figure
23, is a zoom-in of the Cretaceous section in the region of the Carmen and Forestal
Fields. This Figure was discussed previously in Section 4.3.2.2. with respect to syndepositional tectonics, and some of what was said before bears repeating, as well as being
addressed in the context of hydrocarbon exploration. Within the section just above the
Chonta Limestone, and between the blue and yellow arrows in Figure 23, a very lenselike character can be seen within the Lower Chonta section (Upper Cetico Sandstone
Member). The two red peaks highlighted by the blue and red arrows are seen to merge at
the yellow arrow. The fault to the right of the yellow arrow, forms the major basinal
hinge line along which most of the production has been found in the Maraon Basin.
This prominent structural feature appears to have been active intermittently through
geological time and consequently we should expect major stratigraphic changes from one
side to the other. Along this trend, major stratigraphic traps should have been created
(ancestral and present day).
It is obviously difficult to ascertain, but one logical explanation for the concentration of
oil fields along the Maraon Basin Hingeline is that several large scale stratigraphic
accumulations were trapped against the Hingeline due to significant stratigraphic changes
from one side to the other as indicated in Figure 23. With the hydrocarbon kitchen area
being downdip to the west and the pinchout updip to the east, conditions were ideal for
such a development. Significant tectonic reorganization during Quechua deformation
140

would have breached some of the paleo-stratigraphic traps while leaving others intact.
Oil from breached accumulations would then have remigrated, probably just a short
distance into the nearest structure be it Quechua or older in origin, or have been
redistributed within the containing sand body reflecting its structurally modified trapping
conditions.
To further emphasis the importance of the Hingeline and its effect on Cretaceous
stratigraphy, one other interval needs to be discussed, the Chonta Limestone. The eastern
limit of the Chonta Limestone out of the Basin defined both geologically (Enclosures 5)
and geophysically (Enclosure 17), coincides roughly with the Hingeline area and the
Maraon productive trend. Just downdip from this in the Tambo area (Figure 27),
probable Chonta patch reefs have been seismically identified (Figures 28 to 31) trending
roughly parallel to this trend. In addition to being possible stratigraphic drilling targets
them selves, the significant amount of drape seen over these features would indicate they
have strongly influenced depositional patterns in the younger Cretaceous sequences
which overly them.
Clearly when one examines the evidence, the Hingeline area is one of important
stratigraphic changes within the Cretaceous section and one in which numerous
stratigraphic traps may have existed.
Any breaching of a paleo-stratigraphic
accumulation in this area would result in the remigration of hydrocarbons into the nearest
trapping geometry, which to some degree may account for the concentration of oil
accumulations in this region.
Although the above discussion has focused on Chonta generated oils, the same logic can
also be applied to Pucar generated oils in the more southern reaches of the Basin.
Paleo-Structural Traps
Unlike its counterpart in this section, paleo-stratigraphic traps, paleo-structural traps are
much easier to identify. Of these, there are two types, 1) paleo-structures with a present
day structural component which have been the focus of attention in the Maraon Basin
for the last 20 years, and 2) subtle but areally large paleo-structures that no longer have
closure. The following discussion will focus on the later of these two.

Pozo Sand

Base Cretaceous

Figure 112: Unflattened and Flattened (Pozo) seismic line (PK3-256) through the Yanayacu field. Note
the lack of any paleo-structure at Pozo depositional time

141

Two notable examples of paleo-structural traps have been identified in the Basin. The
first is in the Samiria/Yanayacu area and the other in the Tambo/Tucunare area.
The southernmost accumulation identified in the Maraon Basin is the Yanayacu oil field
(Enclosure 31, 1 of 3). Seismic line PK8-256 through the discovery well Yanayacu 32X
is shown in Figure 112 in time, and flattened displays.
As with the other southern
Maraon Basin oil field (Enclosure 28) there is no discernable paleo-structure associated
with the Yanayacu structure.
To the west and southwest of the Yanayacu Field
(Enclosure 31, 1 of 3) there are several wells, Pastococha 1X and Samiria Sur 1X, with
significant oil shows within the Cretaceous section. The Pastococha well tested oil up to
822 bopd from the Upper Cetico Chonta reservoir and the Samiria Sur well tested oil
from two zones in the Chonta with flow rates up to 1149 BFPD and from the Vivian at
rates up to 432 BFPD. These and the neighboring wells are presented in more detail in
Enclosure 31 (2 of 3).
In a Pozo to Base Cretaceous isopach (Figure 113) of this the area, there is no apparent
significant, coincidental paleo-structure associated with these wells. It should be noted
that Pastococha, does, however have a minor paleo-drape component, as it sits over a preMitu, rifted horst block (Enclosure 31, 3 of 3) but it is beyond the resolution of the
contour interval of the map. What is significant, however, is the sizable paleo-structure
north of the Pastococha well, which is also very evident on the flattened (Pozo) seismic
section shown in Figure 114, at Base Cretaceous and younger levels. Present day
structure, a result of later Quechua deformation, over this location is non-existent as
shown in Figure 115. Based on the above analysis, it is speculated that the paleostructure defined north of the Pastococha well once reservoired a large accumulation.
With Quechua downwarping, this oil then migrated updip into other structures that were
forming contemporaneously with this deformation. Structures such as Yanayacu and
Samiria Sur were filled as a result of oil remigration from this ancestral accumulation.
32X

Figure 113: Pozo to Base Cretaceous Isochron showing the presence of a large paleo-structure just
north of the Pastococha well. The seismic line highlighted is shown in Figures 114 and 115

142

Figure 114: Seismic Line PHI-10 flattened on the Pozo showing the presence of a sizable paleostructure that existed in the Pastococha/Samiria area in early Tertiary time

Figure 115: Present day time section of Seismic Line PHI-10 showing how the high as mapped in
Figure 113, has disappeared

143

This being the case, other proximal structures such as the ones defined in this study as the
Nutria Prospect (Enclosure 31, 3 of 3) and Majaz (Enclosure 32) would have to be
considered as being favorably located to receive a charge of remigrated oil in late
Tertiary time.
The other well-documented example of a significant paleo-structure that no longer closes
is the feature drilled by the Tucunare 1X well in the northern Maraon Basin. In
Appendix 3l, the two maps shown, Depth Structure Map on Top Cachiyacu (Figure 3)
and an Isochron of Cachiyacu to U. Tertiary Horizon (Figure 4), clearly shows how the
paleo-structure at Pozo time disappears and is represented only by a south plunging
structural nose at present time. The same effect can be seen through amplitude time
slices generated from the Tucunare 3D in Figure 116.

Time Slice at
2060 ms (near
top Pozo)

Time Slice at
3195 ms (near
Base
Cretaceous)

Figure 116: Amplitude time slices through the Tucunare 3D survey showing how Tucunare Structure
disappears at shallower depths

In this example any previously trapped hydrocarbons in the ancestral Tucunare closure
would have remigrated updip towards the Tambo wells in the north.
Conclusions
From the examples discussed above, it becomes evident prospective structures do not
necessarily have to have an ancestral component. By focusing on prospects with a
young, Quechua-aged structural evolution that were in a favorable position to receive a
charge of remigrating oil from breached paleo-stratigraphic and structural traps may open
up new areas of exploration in the Maraon Basin.

144

7.3.2.2 Pucar
Historically all exploration to date in the Maraon Basin has largely been confined to
Cretaceous targets. In the process of evaluating the Huallaga Basin and surrounding area
(PARSEP, 2001), it became evident that carbonates of the Pucar Group represent viable
exploration targets in western Maraon Basin. In the total Maraon Basin there are only
four penetrations into the Pucar and all are located in the southwestern most corner of
the Basin. The four wells are:
1. Orellana 1X - intersected upper supratidal to continental facies red beds and
evaporites of the Pucar Group
2. Santa Lucia 1X - intersected a Pucar section equivalent to the one encountered in
the Orellana Well
3. Loreto 1X - intersected evaporites, redbeds and tight carbonates interpreted to be
representative of a Pucar supratidal facies
4. Shanusi 1X - intersected gas bearing porous carbonates of an interpreted intratidal
environment
Our current model has the Shanusi 1X well penetrating a high-energy intratidal carbonate
along a paleo-high trend created by the late Permian to early Triassic rifting event as
depicted in Figure 38. The reader is referred to Section 4.3.2.3 of this report for a more
in depth review of the Pucar depositional environment.
Information on the Pucar is sparse and with respect to its reservoir hydrocarbon
potential, non-existent and reliant on the results of the Shanusi well and outcrop work.
The Shanusi well encountered dolomites with vuggy and intercrystalline porosity
estimated to be in the 10 to 20% range. At 4471m within the Pucar, high-pressure gas
of predominantly methane with minor ethane and pentane, was encountered. Between
4481m and 4484m gas and salt water caused a slight flow. Formation pressure was
calculated to be 10,900 psi, equivalent to 14.3 lb/gal mud. At FTD, the drill string got
differentially stuck and the BHA was eventually cemented in the hole (top 4037m and
bottom 4478m). As a result no wireline logs were ever taken through the Pucar interval.
Our knowledge from outcrop is limited largely to the fieldwork done by Advantage in
their evaluation of Block 87.
They report the presence of good visible
porosity(sucrosic type) in outcrops of the Callanayacu area in the fold and thrust belt
area of the SW Maraon (PARSEP, 2001), within the Callanayacu Formation
(Advantage, 2001). The Callanayacu Formation as discussed in previous sections
represents the lower section of the transitional zone from Pucar to Sarayaquillo or in
terms of depositional environments, from intratidal to supratidal facies.
In summary:
1. The Pucar Group represents a self-contained petroleum system with mature
source rock, reservoir and intra-formational seals.
2. All of the oils found in the southern Maraon, Huallaga and northern Ucayali
Basins, can be typed back to a Pucar source rock. These are (refer to the
PARSEP (2002) Study on the Huallaga Basin for location map):
a. Shanusi oil seep

145

b.
c.
d.
e.

Tiraco oil seep

Callanayacu oil seep
Maquia oil field
Huaya wells

3. Idealized paleo-geographic conditions for the development of reservoir quality

Pucar carbonates, i.e. shoaling of sediments and biohermal buildups on paleostructures (Figures 21 and 22)
4. Presence of effective seals.
a. The effectiveness of the Sarayaquillo as a seal as demonstrated by the
Shanusi 1X well.
b. The complete preservation of sub-tidal through intra-tidal (Pucar) and
supratidal (Callanayacu) to continental facies (Sarayaquillo) has resulted
in an ideal depositional environment for the development of intraformational seals (supra-tidal evaporites) and the possibility for large
regional combination stratigraphic/structural traps.
5. Preservation of porosity and permeability at Pucar Formation reservoirs at depth.
Carbonates are not subject to the same burial diagenetic alterations that affect
clastic reservoirs.
6. The Pucar is highly under explored with only four penetrations in the southern
Maraon Basin. One was a gas discovery within an intratidal facies and the other
three intersected the Pucar in what we are interpreting to be a supratidal to
continental depositional environment, a non-prospective facies for Pucar
reservoir development.
The regional compilation map of the Pucar presented in Enclosure 21a was made to
demonstrate the distribution of the Pucar facies in northeastern Peru with the hope it
could be utilized to help predict prospective reservoir fairways. A postulated prospective
trendline has been drawn on the Pucar Isopach Map shown in Figure 36.
7.3.2.3 Paleozoic
Unfortunately, little information was available to the Group to make much of an
assessment of the Paleozoic potential of the Maraon Basin. Wells penetrating the
Paleozoic section (Figure 9) are limited to the southern and eastern regions of the Basin.
A representative view on the distribution of Paleozoic rocks in the Basin can be seen in
the TWT Structure Map on the Contaya Formation displayed in Figure 39. On the basis
of this map it is believed that the productive Solimoes Basin of Brazil, projects westward
into the Maraon Basin of Peru. Before a complete understanding of the Paleozoic
potential of this region can be completed, it is critical to first understand the geology and
petroleum potential of the Solimoes Basin. As this was beyond the scope of this study it
is recommended for further investigation in the future.
Although minimal work has been done on Paleozoic section of the Maraon, some
encouraging results have emerged. Perhaps the most significant to date are from the
Basin Modeling work completed (Section 7.1) that puts the organic-rich, Devonian aged

146

Cabanillas source within the late-mature oil window. This is compatible with the high
gravity API crudes found in Brazils Solimoes Basin.
Finally, in the Tapiche well,
drilled in the southwest
Maraon Basin (Figure 9), a
20-meter section of sandstone
was
intersected
in
the
Cabanillas section just above
3500m. A sidewall core taken
from the interval 34733494m
had oil shows with bright gold
pale yellow fluorescence and
slow to instantaneous bluish
yellow cut. Several cased hole
DSTs were take across this
zone but they recovered only
water cushion, water cut mud
and lesser amounts of
formation water. Although the
tests were negative the swc oil
shows are supportive of the oil
generative capabilities of the
Cabanillas Shales in this
region of the Basin.
Figure 117: Composite log through the Cabanillas section of the Tapiche 1X well

7.3.2 Other Exploration Issues

Two other issues relating to the exploration of hydrocarbons in the Maraon Basin need
to be address. The first is in data quality control and second Basin hydrodynamics.
7.3.2.1 Data Issues
The first issue is one that is often taken for granted, with assumptions being made that the
previous operator had ensured that the seismic line they drilled on was in the correct
location, well coordinates are accurate, etc. As addressed previously, a number of serious
data errors were uncovered while data assembly and its quality control, was in progress.
Most of these errors were related to accurately locating seismic data. In one instance, a
well was drilled on a seismic line that we could not tie into any seismic grid and
consequently were in serious doubt as to the lines correct location. In another instance, a
seismic line was shot directly over one from an older survey. The reasons for this may be
one of purely logistics as this line was critical to tie several others from the new shoot
together. The older line, which in its initial state as received by us, did not tie anything.
Upon closer examination of the older line, however, it was seen to be reversed and upon
correction, it then tied the others perfectly. In the following Prospect Section, several
prospects were defined through the mapping of only the data sets that tied and this was
after bulk shifts, phase rotations and amplitude adjustments had been made to ensure the
best fit. Confirmation of these as prospects, however, will not be completed until the
disregarded lines can be accurately located which is part of next years proposed detailed
147

Maraon Basin study. In some instances, reprocessing may also be required.

In
conclusions, when using the present data set for exploration in the Maraon Basin,
question the validity of the data when things do not fit. There is obviously a danger to
this but sometimes as we have found out, the geology is not quite as complicated as the
data makes it out to be, and prospects may be obscured by one reversed, badly located
seismic line.
7.3.2.2 Hydrodynamics
The second issue is one of basin hydrodynamics. PARSEP initiated a hydrodynamic
study of the Maraon Basin sponsored by Perupetro and CPI, utilizing the services of
Rakhit Petroleum Consulting Ltd. (RPCL).
In the Ecuadorian sector of the greater Maraon Basin (Oriente Basin), the presence of a
dynamic water flow field has been documented by RPCL (Rakhit, 2002) in a
hydrodynamic evaluation of the Basin and a number of studies published in the literature.
Investigations there have shown that hydrodynamic gradients and water flow commenced
during Late Andean uplift, post-dating peak oil expulsion. Present day hydrodynamic
influence has been documented at a number of Cretaceous oil fields. Many major pools
in Ecuador (Sacha) are shifted from the structural crests and oil/water contacts are tilted
in the direction of water flow (Canfield, 1991). As such an evaluation has never been
done for the Maraon Basin in Peru and it was logical to extend the work of RPCL south,
as there are a number of specific applications of an integrated petroleum hydrogeology
study that can be used for exploration and production. These are:
1. Create a coherent hydrogeologic framework for the basin. This provides a threedimensional picture of flow patterns, recharge and discharge areas and both lateral
and vertical pressure profiles.
2. Analyze reservoir continuity, which when integrated with geology helps to refine
geologic trends, define play fairways and new areas with potential trapping
capacity.
3. Hydrochemical mapping, maps of formation water salinity and oil quality have
applications for analyzing areas of recharge, flushing, biodegradations as well as
maturity. Formation water data also helps constrain petrophysical parameters for
water saturation calculations.
4. Petroleum migration modeling provides a fundamental understanding of source
areas for known accumulations, but more importantly the potential for charging
new unexplored/underexplored fairways. This type of analysis fulfills one of the
key criteria required to launch an exploration program "source, trap, reservoir."
5. Tilted oil/water contacts, which can result from a dynamic flow system can
impact reserves and productivity. An understanding of their occurrence and trend
may breathe new life into existing pools or marginally economic pools.
This RPCL study was just completed at the time this report was being finalized and
consequently its results were not adequately incorporated into our interpretation. The
study, however, is included as Appendix 4C to this report and the reader is referred to
that for a complete analysis of the above issues.
148

7.4 NEW PROSPECTS AND LEADS IN THE MARAON BASIN

The Maraon Basin Study was intended to be a regional work, integrating as much data
as possible within the Basin to investigate whether new concepts exploration concepts,
exploration fairways, etc., could be defined. It was not intended to be an exploration
exercise where the ultimate goal is in defining drillable prospects. Ultimately, however,
in a study such as this, certain prospects and leads do emerge and this section is a
summary of our findings. It should be emphasized that this is not a cataloging of
prospects within the Maraon Basin nor does it document company generated prospects
such as those defined by Arco and Oxy in Block 64, the Situchi Prospect for example.
The reader is referred to the specific Block write-up for that or others studies such as
Perupetros Catalogo de Propectos No Perforados, 2001.
7.4.1 Picuro Prospect
The Picuro Prospect is one developed along the western margin on the Maraon Basin
(Figure 118) and was interpreted utilizing paper copies of the Amerada and Oceanic
seismic data sets (Figure 3). Objectives are a large, 44 km2 four-way dip closure in the
Vivian (Enclosure 30a, Figures 119 and 120) and a linear series of four-way dip closures
within the Pucar Group (Enclosure 30b, Figure 121)
The Vivian closure is located in the Maraon foredeep and is a broad, gentle structure
with no associated faulting. From the hydrodynamic study done for PARSEP (Appendix
4C) it is know from well control that to the north and south of this area that this is a
strong easterly hydrologic flow within the Vivian due to the highly elevated recharge area
to the west in the fold belt. Reservoir quality is a risk as burial depths are considerable in
this area. However, in the Huasaga 1X well in the north-central Maraon Basin, the
lower Vivian sandstone at 4087m was
fresh water wet (salinity 11200 ppm NaCl)
and when tested flowed formation water to
PICURO
the surface at an estimated 1340 bwpd.
PROSPECT
Clearly this well demonstrates two
AREA
important factors in the deep Maraon, the
connectivity of the Vivian to the western
recharge area and hence its blanket nature,
and the ability of this Vivian sandstone
member to maintain excellent porosity and
permeability at relatively deep depths of
burial. Because of the high hydraulic head
in this area, any accumulation is expected
to have a strong easterly tilt. Hydrocarbon
charge is expected to be from the Chonta
shales whose present day maturity is within
the mid-mature oil window near its top
(Figure 56) and in the late-mature oil
window at its base (Figure 57).
Figure 118: Location of the Picuro group of prospects

149

Orientation of 3D Map
in Figure __

Picuro
Vivian
Closure

AH - 266
AH - 256

The two seismic lines in

yellow are displayed in
Enclosure 30a
CONTOR INTERVAL =
100ms

The Pucar group of

prospects consists of a
series of northwest to
southeast linear aligned
closed structural highs of
which the largest is 34
km2. The seismic line
displayed in Figure 122
shows the Pucar structure
to be cored by an east
verging reverse fault that
terminates at the base of
the Sarayaquillo above
which there is no structural closure. Overlying
and sealing any possible
Pucar accumulation is
the postulated regional
sabhka evaporitic facies
which is in confomable
contact with the Pucar
intratidal
facies
that
respresents the potential
reservoir unit.
Unlike
siliciclastic
reservoirs
carbonates are not as
susceptible to porosity
occlusion due to burial
diagenesis.

Figure 119: TWT Top Vivian Map showing the Picuro Vivian Prospect

North

Picuro Vivian
Closure

Hydrocarbon sourcing is
expected to be from the
Pucar, which from the
diagrams in Figures 58
and 59, would be in the
main gas generative phase.
For a review of maps and
seismic for this prospect
refer to Enclosures 30a
and 30b

Figure 120: 3D display of the

Picuro Vivian Prospect. This
Map was generated from the
one displayed in Figure 119.

150

Contour Interval = 50 ms
Closures from N to S
(Colored Yellow)
D = 2.8 km2
C = 34.3 km2
B = 8.8 km2
A = 5.0 km2

AH 73-1

Figure 121: TWT Structure Map on top of the Pucar

Figure 122: Seismic Line AH73-1 (Figure 121) through the east verging fault trend that creates the
series of closures at Pucar level, colored yellow in Figure 121

151

7.4.2 Pastococha/Samiria Area (Enclosure 31)

The Pastococha/Samiria Area is located in the southern Maraon Basin (Figure 123)
south of the Yanayacu Oil Field which is currently producing from the Vivian Formation,
and to the west of the Bretaa Discovery, which tested 807 bopd of 18o API gravity oil,
also from the Vivian Formation. A block with the configuration as shown in Figure 123
is being recommended to Perupetro to put out for tender. On the Block itself are five
wells
1. Pastococha 1X (6X) Oil Discovery in the Upper Cetico Member of the Chonta
Formation which tested 822 BOPD of 26.1 o API gravity oil (decreasing to 672
o
BOPD (26.1 API) + 23.7 MCFGPD; GOR 35
2. Samiria Sur 1X (3X) Oil Discovery that tested oil from two zones in the Chonta
with flow rates up to 1149 BFPD and from the Vivian at rates up to 432 BFPD.
3. Samiria 1X (5XC) Dry Hole with shows
4. Yanayacu Sur 1X (2X) Dry Hole with shows
5. Viracocha 1X (7X) Dry Hole

4
5

_4

_3
5
9

6
3
_

W9

K8

PK

28

0
6

1
G

_
8
PK

PK 8_55

20

K6

9 5_

5
_5

_
59

4
_

PK 8_25 4

G10 6
PK 8_10 5
_104
PK8 _108

Q 4

8
53

_5

0
4
5_
5
P

S
9

_
2

I1
H
P

-1

AMO 9

H
P

3
_4
8

5
_

O2

AM

53

Pastococha
PastocochaW.
W.Lead
Lead

K6

41

39

K6

60

40

5
8

K6

_2

_
5

K
P

PK

K
P

5
8_

6
_5
K
P

I-1

_5

K6

32

_5

PK

PK

HP

12A

12 C

8_1

PK8_ 55

8 PK8 _1
_4
5

W PK
1S
5

IPH

PK 8_25 7

-1

PK 8_25 7

_4

Y a nayac u 1X

-3 1

H
HI

PK8_ 249W

Y ana ya cu
32X
P K8_2 56

10

8_11 2B

HI
P

53

P K8_2 56

20

65

1
GW95 _T

HI

PK

Q2

K 8_1

P K8_2 55

PK8 _255

GW

1 2C

T2

Marano n 2 2X

5
_

5_

W9

PK

K8_2 54
G10P 6
PK8 _105
PK8 _108
_104

53

Q3

80

GW

K8

PK65 _235 E

_1 5

W9

95

2
_
T

GW95 _19
_Q

2B
K8_1 1

GW

K
P

4
95
W

95

GW

46

- 65
PHI

Q
_1

Q6

HI

GW

2
_
65

Yanayacu Field

D ia na Ma e 1X
9 5_

95
W
G

6
3

Q 6

GW9 5_19
GW

5
95 _2

K8

_2

1
6

95 _

K8_

95 _Q

K6

95

17

W9

5_ 18

5 _Q

W 91 4
_ 5_
5
Q

GW
9

C uinico S ur 1 X
95
W
G
1
95 _ Q

W9

W9 5_

G W

G
GW

GW

I-

Q4

GW

95 _

PK

_1

11 2

GW

W9 5

G
P K W95_ T1
8
_
54

5_
5_
9

W
G

4
_4
5

18

I-

5_

Pa sto coc ha 1 X

HI-3 1

PHI -46

PH

Y ana yac u Sur 1 X

P
HI
-2

PHI

-1

31
A MO

PHI- 46

5A

B re tana 1X

AMO2

32

Nutria
Nutria Prospect
Prospect

A MO1 9

I-

Viracocha
ViracochaN.
N.Lead
Lead

-16

Envidia 1X

Samiria 1 X

Vi ra co c ha 1 X

O2

PH

AM O3

HI-

HI

-1

5A

A
P

I-

1
3
X
D

-16

PH

Bretaa
Discovery
A MO23

42

MO

29

HI

1-

I-

HI

PH

Za pote 1X
AMO 20

IH -

AM O31

Sa miria S ur 1 X

AM O21

AMO 9

27

AMO 5

ARC 7
P
HI
1
8

BP7

Tama nco 1X

AR

C2 5

DX

ARC 25
BP 7

A RC3

Lore to 1X

Seismic lines utilized in the Pastococha evaluation

Seismic lines available in SEGY for mat ( all blue lines, thick and thin)
Seismic lines available on paper (not utilized in Maraon Basin Evaluation)
Pipeline

Figure 123: Location of the recommended Block in the Pastococha/Samiria area

152

Of these five wells, three of the wells were not drilled in optimal structural positions as
indicated with the seismic data interpreted by this study.
Yanayacu Sur 1X (3X) (1975) was drilled on Seismic Line PHI-18. This line was not
used in this evaluation, as it would not tie with the others lines used. Its true location is
in question. The well was drilled in a significant low structural position between the
North trending Yanayacu Structure and the Northwest trending Samiria Structure
(Figures 124 and 125). Even in this position hydrocarbon shows were encountered in
two DSTs of the Vivian Formation. DST #1 - 5905' salt water with gas and traces of
oil. DST #2 - 6751 salt water, 5' water contaminated with traces of oil.
Samiria 1X (5X) (1977) was drilled in a saddle between two structural culminations and
consequently, it is not considered to be a good structural test (Figures 124 and 125),
Viracocha 1X (7X) (1984) is a more difficult well to assess as its location was picked off
of the Hamilton Bros. 1982 seismic data set that was not reviewed in this evaluation.
Preliminary indications are that there may be structural positions more favorable than
where this well was drilled (Figures 124 and 125).

Nutria
Prospect

C.I = 20ms

Figure 124: TWT Structure Map on the Pozo. Note the structural elevation of the Nutria structure
relative to the one tested by the Samiria Sur 1X well. Highlighted seismic line displayed in Figure 9

Hydrocarbon sourcing the Pastococha and Samiria areas and the Yanayacu and Bretaa
areas as well, is discussed in detail in Section 7.3.2.1 and can be summarized as follows,

153

Figure 125: 3D TWT map on the Base Cretaceous (from seismic map on Enclosure 2 of 3 this series)
with cross sections AA and BB of wells (Pozo to Base Cretaceous in depth) projected onto the surface.
Note the off-structure locations of the Samiria 1X and possibly the Viracocha 1X wells

Long range migration from mature Pucar kitchen areas from an area more or less
coincidental with the fold and thrust belt area to west during early Tertiary time.
Entrapment of migrating hydrocarbons into paleo-traps.
Remigration of hydrocarbons during Quechua deformation into present-day traps.

In the Pastococha/Samiria area, such a paleo-trap can be documented and is as displayed

in Figure 113. The destruction of this structure during Quechua deformation resulted in
the remigration of the oil into the neighboring features as depicted by Figures 114 and
115. These would have included such structures as Yanayacu, Samiria Sur, Nutria and
Majaz. The first three can be located on Figure 123, and the last in Figure 127.
Another important issue that needs to be addressed, as it is an issue in this area, is the
problem with shallow velocity anomalies that adversely affect the accuracy of time depth
structure maps. This has been documented within the Yanayacu Field (per. com.
Pluspetrol). With this in mind it is interesting to speculate whether both the Samiria Sur
1X and Bretaa 1X well were accurately placed on each structure relative to the true
depth crestal position for each.
In summary the Pastococha/Samiria area is one where there has been a significant
amount of hydrocarbons found to date. An oil gravity 18o to 26o API is expected for the
area. It is close to infrastructure with the connection point into the pipeline being at the
Yanayacu Field (Figure 123)
154

7.4.2.1 Nutria Prospect (Figures 124 to 126)

The Nutria Prospect is the northernmost structural culmination along the Samiria Fault
(Figure 124), northwest of the Samiria Sur 1X oil discovery made on the southern
culmination. With the data at hand, it appears that the Samiria 1X well was drilled off
structure on the NW-SE seismic line PHI-29 and the actual closure, the Nutria Prospect,
PHI-13, remains untested.

Figure 126: composite seismic line (located on Figure 7) through the Nutria Prospect, the Samiria 1X
well and the Samiria Sur 1X wells.

7.4.2.1 Other Lead Areas (Figures 124 and 125)

Two other structural leads, Viracocha N and Pastococha W have been noted in the area.
Both are covered by additional seismic data that has not yet been examined. This data
was acquired in the 1980s by Hamilton Bros and is available in paper copy. Further
follow up is recommended in this area, and to re-map it utilizing all available seismic
data.
7.3.4 Majaz Prospect (Enclosure 32)
The Majaz Prospect located just to the northwest of the productive Yanayacu oil field
(Figure 127), is a prospect that fell out while doing an analysis on the Diana Mae 1X
well. Consequently, the best way of introducing this prospect, is in first discussing the
results of Diana Mae evaluation which is also presented in more detail in Appendix 3e.
For the PARSEP evaluation only the newer Great Western seismic lines were used due to
the serious misties seen in the Prakla (PK) data set of which PK8-54 is an example
(Figure 127). This critical line ties nothing and there is a belief that it may be reversed as
well as poorly located in manner similar to several other PK lines we have encountered.
The problem with the Diana Mae location is two fold. The first is in the subtlety of the
structure, which has a maximum of 8 ms of closure on the top of the Vivian along a welldefined southwest, plunging structural nose. The saddle defining the counter regional dip
to close the Diana Mae structure is poorly defined and additional seismic may show this
closure to be even less than currently mapped. There is no faulting associated with the
Diana Mae structure (Figure 128 to 130).

155

Figure 127: Location Map showing seismic lines used for this evaluation (thick dark blue); examined
Prakla and GSI lines not used due to serious mistie problems (thin dark blue); and the seismic lines that
were not available for this evaluation (thin black)

Downdip from the Majaz Prospect the Cuinico

S 1X Well Tested oil - 18.8 API from a Chonta
Sandstone Interval

Figure 128: The maximum size of the structure when mapped on the top of the Vivian if closed at the
2655ms level as indicated above, is approximately 100 km2

156

The second and perhaps the more significant problem associated with the Diana Mae 1X
location, is that it is believed to be located within a migration shadow for remigrating
Pucar oil during the Late Tertiary. It is located updip and to the northwest from what we
interpret to be a much larger fault bounded, undrilled structural feature (Figure 129 and
130). This prospect is defined as the as the Majaz Prospect. We believe the Majaz
Prospect to have received a charge of remigrating Pucar sourced oil from a paleostructure located to the south of the prospect and to the west of the Yanayacu field
(Figure 113). This is discussed in detail in Section 7.3.2.1 as well as the preceding
section on the Pastococha/Samiria Area in Section 7.4.2.

Figure 129: Composite line (Figure 128) across the corner of the Majaz prospect and Diana Mae
locations

Figure 130: West to east seismic line GW95-Q4 (Figure 128) across the Majaz structure

157

Obviously, the seismic data over this feature needs to be re-examined in the hope of
identifying and correcting any location problems. Reprocessing of the Prakla data as well
as all the other lines for which we do not have SEGY files, is also strongly recommended.
The sheer size of this structure, 100 km2 as currently mapped, being updip to the Cuinico
S 1X well, which tested free oil from a Chonta sandstone member, and lying along the oil
pipeline, makes this an attractive prospect. Additionally, seals and reservoir are expected
to be excellent and identical to what has been seen in the Diana Mae 1X well and all the
wells to south in the Pastococha/Samiria area and presented within Enclosure 31. An oil
gravity 18o to 26o API is expected for the area.
7.3.4 Southwest Maraon Pucar Prospects
The following two prospects have been discussed previously in Huallaga Basin Study
(PARSEP 2002) and are reintroduced in this study in a slightly abbreviated form for
completeness sake as they are confined within the boundaries of Maraon Basin.
7.3.4.2 Shanusi 1X Offset
The mapping at Chonta level (PARSEP, 2002) indicates that the Shanusi 1X well tested
the Cretaceous structural culmination of the feature drilled. At Pucar level, however,
considerably more elevation can be gained from the well as the structure is seen to open
up to the SE as shown in Figure 15. With the original well having discovered gas, an
offset to this well will probably generate little interest unless some method of marketing
the gas in this region can be established. This discovery does, however indicate, that
hydrocarbons are migrating through the system and that perhaps the gas represents a late
generative phase from the Pucar source rocks. Basin modeling shows the Pucar in the
very top of the main gas-generating window at this location.

Figure 131: Shanusi area time-structure map on top of Pucar. The Shanusi 1X well tested gas on a
small satellite structure that opens up to a much larger feature to its SE.

158

7.3.4.2 Yurimaguas Structure

Approximately 25 km north of the Shanusi well is the huge Yurimaguas structure (Figure
44), which was drilled by Texaco in the 50s. The well was TDd in the Cushabatay after
encountering all the Cretaceous reservoirs to be fresh water wet. The Pucar Group on
this structure remains untested. As this structure appears to be on trend with the
postulated Pucar reservoir fairway, it remains as an attractive prospect.
On a somewhat speculative note, one might hypothesis that oil once reservoired in the
Shanusi structure was displaced further updip into the Yurimaguas structure by a late gas
charge.
Cuinico Sur 1X
-3926

-3182

-3376

Maranon 1X

Maranon 22X
Yanayacu 3
Yanayacu 1X

-3097
-3120

Pastococha 1X
-3251 Yanayac
-3116

Viracocha 1X Samiria 1X
-3100

-3069

Samiria
-305

Yurimaguas
Structure

Yurimaguas 1X
-879

Loreto 1X
-897

Shanusi 1X
-1297

La F
Santa Lucia 1X

Figure 132: Subsea structural map on Top Vivian showing the relative structural relationship of the
Yurimaguas well to that of the Shanusi 1X well. Highlighted area is potential reservoir fairway trend of
the Pucar identified in the Shanusi well

159

8.0 CONCLUSIONS
The Maraon Basin is a large sub-Andean Basin extending north in Ecuador and
Colombia where it is know as the Oriente and Putumayo Basins respectively. The
Basins evolution begins in the Late Permian to Early Triassic with a major extensional
event that dissected the underlying Paleozoic platform and basement rocks into a series of
roughly northwest-southeast grabens and half grabens. In the western extremes, deep rift
basins were formed containing sequences of synrift continentally derived sediments that
are overlain by a Permian to Jurassic-aged marine to transitional (sabkha) unit dominated
by carbonate deposition and evaporites know as the Pucar Group. The Pucar Group is
the principal source rock for the hydrocarbon accumulations found in the southern
Maraon Basin and is overlain by regressive continental redbeds of Jurassic age, the
Sarayaquillo Formation. With continued Basin subsidence during this time hydrocarbon
generation from Pucar source rocks was triggered in the Late Jurassic.
Termination of Sarayaquillo deposition coincides with the end of the Jurassic, which is
represented by the regional Nevadan unconformity over which lies sediments of
Cretaceous age. Cretaceous deposition was initiated in the greater Maraon/Ucayali
Basin during Neocomian-Aptian times and was characterized by a westerly thickening
wedge of fluvial to marginal clastics and the occasional carbonate unit.
The onset of Andean deformation began in the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary with the
Peruvian orogenic event. The second period of Andean compressional deformation, the
Incaic Phase, took place in the early-middle Eocene. This phase represents a period of
regional flexural tilting, onlap, and renewed structural growth and one during which the
first pulse of Cretaceous oils were generated and underwent migration. This event also
generated a second pulse of mature oil and gas from the Pucar where Pucar
hydrocarbon generation had not terminated. Relative to todays configuration the Basin
was relatively simply structured and migrating oil was trapped in structural and
stratigraphic traps throughout the Basin. It is believed that large-scale stratigraphic
accumulations were created at this time as significant stratigraphic changes within the
Cretaceous can are noted seismically along significant geological features such as the
Maraon Hingeline flexure.
The Maraon Basin started to take on its present-day configuration through a sequence of
tectonic events that spans the Tertiary and culminated in the Miocene to near Recent with
the highly deforming Quechua orogeny. The present day western margin was formed
through a complex combination of wrench related high angle faults, basin inversions and
thin-skinned deformation fronts that now separate the Maraon Basin from the Santiago
Basin to its northwest and the Huallaga Basin to its southwest. During this deformation
hydrocarbon accumulations were readjusted or completely displaced as traps were
realigned structurally and/or breached although in a number of instances, the older
formed traps remained intact. Hydrocarbons from displaced accumulations remigrated
into newly formed traps be it newly formed Quechua structural features or realigned
stratigraphic traps.
Exploration in the Maraon Basin has been focusing primarily on one type of trap for the
last 20 years and consequently the well sampling has become somewhat biased in recent
years not necessarily reflecting the true potential of the Basin. With the attention in the
160

Basin on structures with ancestral growth, drilling targets have progressively gotten
smaller as the most of the obvious targets within the production fairways have been
drilled. To enhance this progressively dwindling supply of drillable structures,
companies have moved to depth conversions to add closure to structures that have little to
no closure in time introducing another variable into the risk. As a result exploration
success along with size of the remaining structures has diminished as well. This velocity
variable (issue) is obviously much less important in the more robust structures that were
drilled early in the exploration of the Maraon Basin, which could survive a rigorous
velocity analysis and conversion to depth.
In other words, a 5 ms (or its depth
equivalent) change one way or the other will not have much of an impact whether a well
gets drilled or not.
It has long been accepted that there has been remigration of hydrocarbons in the Basin
that was initiated by the Quechua deformation. Block 64 in the northeast Maraon and
the fields of the southern Maraon Basin are such examples. It is nave to believe that in
the past, that only structures, and structures that remained intact after Quechua
deformation are the only traps that could have harbored any significant hydrocarbon
accumulation. We believe the importance of remigrated hydrocarbons their migration
route during the Quechua deformation has greatly been underestimated and significant
reserves remain to be found proximal to areas were large stratigraphic accumulations
once resided. The same holds true for closed broad gentle structural features that lost
closure due to the effects of the Quechua deformation.
Exploration in the Maraon Basin must in the future consider the above as well as new
reservoirs in the Chonta Limestone (patch reefs), Pucar and the Paleozoic sections,
which this study has attempted to emphasis the importance of. The effects of
hydrodynamics are also a component in understanding the hydrocarbon potential of the
Basin as indicated through the study sponsored by PARSEP. Finally, an issue as
mundane as data verification/qualification may also lead to prospects in a Basin where
the seismic data can be fraught with navigational errors. Whether the prospects defined
by this study by questioning the data, will hold up under further scrutiny, remains to be
seen. It is a starting point, however, for future evaluations.
Upon the completion of this report, it was only to obvious to all involved that to fully
understand the idiosyncrasies of the Basin, a detailed examination must be conducted
utilizing all available seismic, 2D and 3D, and development wells, but only after an effort
to clean up the navigational problems of the seismic data is completed. As the results of
this study, PARSEP is leaving a tied data set comprising of almost 23,000 km of 2D
seismic lines, over 100 composite LAS files of all exploratory wells, and an Access
Database upon which future studies can expand.

161

9.0 SELECTED REFERENCES

NOTE: As an attachment to this report is an Excel spreadsheet of the data pertinent to
this study area in the PERUPETRO archives which is included on the CD accompanying
this report as Appendix 11 Perupetro Maraon Basin Archived Files
Advantage Resources (2001)
Field Geologic Work - Block 87.
Anadarko Petroleum (1995)
Maraon Basin, Peru- Pre-Cretaceous Evaluation. Perupetro Technical Archive
Arco 1996
Geological and Geophysical Evaluation, Block 64 (Arco), Maraon Basin. Appendix 1
to 6. Perupetro Technical Archive ITP20446-20449.
Audebaud, E., Capdevila, R., et al (1973)
Les Traits Gologiques Essentiels des Andes Centrales (Prou, Bolivie). Revue de
Gographie Physique et de Gologie Dynamique, (2), 15, 73-113.
Baldock, J.W. (1982)
Geology of Ecuador. Explanatory Bulletin of the National Geological Map of the
Republic of Ecuador, 1:1,000,000 Scale. Ministerio de Recursos Naturales y Energticos,
Direccin General de Geologa y Minas, Quito, Ecuador.
Barros, M.C. & Carneiro, E.P. (1991)
The Triassic Juru Orogeny and the Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Peruvian Oriente
Basin. Exploratory Implications. Braspetro Internal Report. 18 P. 30 fig.
Barrett Resources (1998)
Palynology and Thermal Maturation Report on Samples of Wells: Dorado, Paiche and
Piraa, Block 67.Perupetro Technical Archive ITP21495.
Barrett Resources (1998)
Geochemistry Report on Cutting Samples of Piraa and Dorado Wells. Perupetro
Technical Archive ITP21498.
Barrett/Advantage
Geochemistry of Oil Samples Report, Dorado 67-35-1x Well. Perupetro Technical
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Beicip Franlab (1996)
Petroleum Exploration Playtypes Of Sub Andean Basins - Volume 1 Y 2(ARPEL).
ITP20403, ITP 20404
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Coastal (1998)
Final Report of The Exploratory Campaign, Blocks: 73 (A, B, C And M) And 74.
Perupetro Technical Archive ITP21624.
Core Laboratories (1996)
Hydrocarbon Source Rocks of the Sub-Andean Basins, Peru. Volumes I, II and III.
Perupetro Technical Archive ITP20000-20004.
CTI ChemTerra Int. Consultants (2000)
Oil Generation in Sub-Andean Basins in Peru. Report for PARSEP, Perupetro S.A. and
Canadian Petroleum Institute. Perupetro Technical Archive.
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Estudios Especiales, INGEMMET, 140 p.
Dashwood, M.F. and Abbotts, I.L., 1990.
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Guidebook to Stratigraphy and Outcrop Stratal Patterns of Southwest Maraon Basin
Northeast Huallaga Basin, Tarapoto, San Martn. (Internal Report). 9 p. 18 fig.
Enterprise Oil (1999)
Geochemical Study, Block 32 (Enterprise) - Volumes I-II. Perupetro Technical Archive
ITP20734, 21080-21081.
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Hydrocarbon Potential of Paleozoic Rocks in The Block 65M. Perupetro Technical
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Reconocimiento Geolgico Olmos-Pongo de Rentema-Bagua-Moyobamba-TarapotoChazuta. PARSEP internal report. 30 p.
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Peru Oil Study, Regional Petroleum Geochemistry of Crude Oils From Peru,
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INGEMMET, (1995)
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Levantamiento Geolgico Anticlinal Lamas y Resumidero de Petrleo del Ro Shanusi.
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Geochemical Evaluation of Five Wells from the Maraon Basin, Peru. Perupetro
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Estudio Geolgico Regional de la Cuenca Maran, Exploracin en el Lote 1AB (Oxy).
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Final Field Work Report - 1996: Southwest Maraon Sub-thrust Project, Block 72 (Oxy)
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Geochemical Evaluation of Outcrops and Seeps. - Final Report, Block 72 (Oxy), ADJ. D,
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Final Geologic Report - Field Work 1997, Block 72 - Northern Area (Oxy) - Appendixes
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Lote 54, Reporte Final/Segunda Etapa, Diciembre 1998

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Final Report of Geologic Surveying Over Seismic Lines, Block 72 (Oxy) - Field Work
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Thermal History Analysis of Outcrop Samples, Using Apatite Fission Track Analysis and
Vitrinite Reflectance, Southwest of Maraon Basin. Perupetro Technical Archive
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Reporte Final de Evaluacin Geolgico - Geofsica, Lote 72 (Oxy). Adjuntos A y B.
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166

COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA
0 km

50

100

150

200 km

0 km

Eastern
Maraon
ECUADOR

290
270
250
230
210
190
170
150
130
110
90
70
50
30
10
-10
-30
-50
-70
-90
-110
-130
-150
-170
-190
-210
-230
-250

50

100

150

200 km

Eastern
Maraon

ECUADOR

Hingeline

Hingeline

Western
Maraon

Western
Maraon

Santiago
Basin

Santiago
Basin

BRAZIL

Huallaga
Basin

Figure 6: Magnetic Intensity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area

20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
-160
-170
-180
-190
-200
-210
-220

Ucayali
Basin

BRAZIL

Huallaga
Basin
Figure 7: Bouguer Gravity Map of the Maraon Basin and surrounding area

Ucayali
Basin

Paiche 1X

Paiche 1X

281.00

50
50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

50
50000

Dorado 1X

200000 m

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

Dorado 1X

200000 m

45

Piraa 1X

Pirana 1X

342.00

Cunambo 1X

Cunambo 1X
Arabela 1X

Arabela 1X

496.00

Tangarana 1X

Tangarana 1X

Forestal Extension 1X San Jacinto 1X

Forestal 1X

Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
18

13

Carmen Central 1X
22
Carmen 1X
21 Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
19
17
Huayuri Norte 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X

Dorissa 1X

41

Capahuari Sur 1X
39

Bartra 1X

Jibaro 1X
20 Jibarito 1X

29

Tambo 1X
Andoas 1X
38
Tucunare 1X

Ceci 1X Jibarito Sur 1X

28

29

25

53

Yanez 1X

Carmen Central 5X
Bartra 1X
Shiviyacu 1X
Carmen 1X
554.00
Pilar 1X
Huayuri 19X
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
Tigre 1X
Huayuri S 33X
Capahuari Norte 1X
Jibaro 1X
662.00
Dorissa 1X634.00
Jibarito 1X
Capahuari Sur 1X
647.00
Ceci 1X Jibarito Sur 1X

Tigre 1X

Huayuri Sur 1X23

24
Capahuari Norte 1X

Andoas 1X

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X
Martha 1X
26

19

Valencia 25X

Nueva Esperanza 1X

752.00Nueva

Pucacuro 1X

21

Tuncheplaya 1X
21

Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
Tigre 131X
2
3

Huitoyacu 1X
90

Sungachi 1X

Esperanza 74X
Pucacuro 1XD
Tuncheplaya 95X
Otorongo 103X
Pavayacu 3X
Tigre 131X
843.00

Nanay 1X
Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

Capirona 1X

Chapuli 1X

Chapuli 1X
Huitoyacu 2X

Sungaroyacu N 1X

Aerico 1X

36

855.00

871.00

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Belen 4X

San Juan 77XD

San Juan 1XD

Chambira 1X

Nanay 26X

Capirona 2X Huangana102X Intuto 23X

Sungachi 1X

Belen 1X

92
58

673.00

Plantayacu 83X

Plantayacu 1X

Valencia 1X27

76

Bolognesi 1X

Martha 1X
Huasaga 1X

Huasaga 1X

90

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X

Tucunare 1X

Yanez 1X

Bolognesi 1X

24

45

450.00

557.00

800.00

Chambira 4X

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

Copal 19X
Corrientes 1X
Aerico 1X 952.00
947.00

Chambira Este 1X
Caterpiza 1X
Piuntza 1X

Tigrillo 1X

Chambira Este 123X

Zorro 1X

Caterpiza 1X

42

Limonyacu 1X

Piuntza 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Tigrillo 1X
Limonyacu 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

Zorro 1X

1010.00

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

896.00

56
7

Putuime 1X

Patoyacu 1X

Patoyacu 1X

Putuime 1X

Dominguza 1X

Dominguza 1X

Maranon 110X
Mahuaca 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

Nucuray 1X
Manseriche 1X

55

1125.00

Maranon 110-1X

Mahuaca 3X

Concordia 1X

Cuinico N 1X

Nucuray 2X

Manseriche 1X

Concordia 17X

867.00

1142.00

Pupuntas 1X

Pupuntas 1X
Tanguintza 1X

Tanguintza 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X

Pauyacu 1X
43

Maranon 1X

Pauyacu 1X

Cuinico S 1X

Diana Mae 1X

1198.00
Maranon
22-1X
Yanayacu 32X

Maranon 8-1X

Maranon 22X
Yanayacu 32X

Yanayacu 27X

Yanayacu 1X

1221.00

Pastococha 1X
Yanayacu Sur 2X

Pastococha 1X
Yanayacu Sur 1X

Bretana 1X

Yarina 1X

Bretana 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

Yurimaguas 1X

Zapote 1X

Zapote 3X

Tapiche 1X

1018.00

Tamanco 1X

Yurimaguas 2-1X

Tamanco 1X

Loreto 1X

981.00

Palmera 1X

Shanusi 2X

Shanusi 1X
Palo Seco 1X

Santa Elena 1X

Tapiche 2X
885.00

1312.00

Palmera 1X

888.00

Envidia 1X

Samiria Sur 3X

Loreto 1X

Yarina 2X

1029.00

1242.00

Viracocha 1X Samiria 5XC

Envidia 1X

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

903.00

Palo Seco 1X

1440.00

1000.00

Santa Elena 3X
841.00

La Frontera 1X

La Frontera 1X

960.00

Santa Lucia 2X

Santa Lucia 1X

1123.00

Santa Catalina 2X

Santa Catalina 1X

1283.00

Orellana 3X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

Orellana 1X
Santa Clara 1A

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

Tertiary
U. Cretaceous (ks)

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

LEGEND

1311.00
Santa
Clara 1
Santa Clara 1A
Rayo 1X

Tertiary
U. Cretaceous (ks)

Huaya 4X
Huaya 3X Insaya 1X

L. Cretaceous (ki)

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

L. Cretaceous (ki)

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

Cachiyacu 1X

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Maquia 1X Cachiyacu 1X

Ponasillo 1X

L. Jurassic (jrinf)

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)

Permian (permico)

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

M. Jurassic (jrmed)
L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)

Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)

Silurian (silurico)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)

Silurian (silurico)
Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X
Cambrian (cambrico)

Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Tahuaya 1X

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 12: Structure Map on Top of Chonta Limestone showing the depositional edge of the unit

Figure 13: Cretaceous Isopach Map

Paiche 1X

Paiche 1X

125

50
50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

200000 m

156

50

Dorado 1X

50000

163

50
50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

Dorado 1X

200000 m

Pirana 1X

Pirana 1X

165

Cunambo 1X

178

Cunambo 1X

Arabela 1X

199

Arabela 1X

297

147

Tangarana 1X
Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
203

218

Tigre 1X

231

Dorissa 1X

Capahuari Sur 1X

217

223

Jibaro 1X
216 Jibarito 1X
206

220
Ceci 1X
Tambo 1X
233
Andoas 1X
252
Tucunare 1X
247

296

Carmen Central 1X
Carmen 1X
Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
Huayuri Norte 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X

Bartra 1X

204

Huayuri Sur 1X
200
Capahuari Norte 1X

Jibarito Sur 1X

Chonta
Limestone
CHONTA LIMESTONE
Wedge
WEDGE

432

238

255

427

Tambo 1X
Andoas 1X
Tucunare 1X

Bolognesi 1X
256

Huitoyacu 1X

Sungaroyacu N 1X

538

Sungaroyacu N 1X

Belen 1X

333

401

567

Sungachi 1X

Belen 1X

San Juan 1XD

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

Aerico 1X

327

San Juan 1XD

355

332

Chambira 1X

344

Chambira 1X
Aerico 1X

341

336

Tigrillo 1X

446

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X
611

611

Chambira Este 1X
Caterpiza 1X

Nanay 1X

Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

Capirona 1X

Chapuli 1X

292

317

338

Pucacuro 1X
Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
Tigre 131X
549

Nanay 1X

285

Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

304

Sungachi 1X

Nueva Esperanza 1X
Tuncheplaya 1X

287

294

420

495

Pavayacu 1XOtorongo 1X
283 Tigre 131X
Capirona 1X

418

417

Valencia 1X

Pucacuro 1X
Tuncheplaya 1X

Huitoyacu 1X

Bolognesi 1X
Martha 1X

Nueva Esperanza 1X

294

Chonta
Limestone

CHONTA LIMESTONE
Wedge
WEDGE

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X

Plantayacu 1X

257
248

Chapuli 1X

Jibaro 1X
418 Jibarito 1X

Huasaga 1X

Plantayacu 1X

Valencia 1X 258

310

336

Ceci 1X Jibarito Sur 1X

Yanez 1X

Martha 1X
245

Dorissa 1X

Capahuari Sur 1X

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X
232

Bartra 1X

Tigre 1X

Huayuri Sur 1X
Capahuari Norte 1X

222

Huasaga 1X

266

367

Carmen Central 1X
208
Carmen 1X
205 Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
200 198
Huayuri Norte 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X

Yanez 1X

Tangarana 1X
Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X

184

204

190

Chambira Este 1X

Zorro 1X
Caterpiza 1X

344

Tigrillo 1X

Zorro 1X

667

351

Piuntza 1X

Limonyacu 1X

Piuntza 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

522

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

439
379

Putuime 1X

Limonyacu 1X

457

Patoyacu 1X

Patoyacu 1X
Putuime 1X

398

Dominguza 1X

727

Dominguza 1X

Maranon 110X
Mahuaca 1X
Nucuray 1X

551

Manseriche 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

Concordia 1X

410

386

Maranon 110X
Mahuaca 1X

441

Cuinico Norte 1X

Nucuray 1X

Concordia 1X

Manseriche 1X

Pupuntas 1X

426

756

Pupuntas 1X

Tanguintza 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X
399

Pauyacu 1X
519

Tanguintza 1X

419

Maranon 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X

Pauyacu 1X

779

Maranon 1X

Maranon 22X

Maranon 22X

Yanayacu 32X

Yanayacu 32X

396

Yanayacu 1X

Yanayacu 1X

417

804

Pastococha 1X

Pastococha 1X

402
Yanayacu
Sur 1X
408

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

Bretana 1X

Yarina 1X

446

448

Zapote 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

Yurimaguas 1X
601

Tamanco 1X
Loreto 1X

430

Palo Seco 1X

Tamanco 1X
551

Palmera 1X
486

Shanusi 1X

Santa Elena 1X

Palo Seco 1X

824

396

379

Santa Elena 1X
445

622

La Frontera 1X

La Frontera 1X
366

Santa Lucia 1X

Tapiche 1X
464

796

417

616

566

Loreto 1X

Palmera 1X

Shanusi 1X

Zapote 1X

Yurimaguas 1X

Tapiche 1X
421

516

440

Envidia 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

452

395

Yarina 1X

583

834

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

452

404

422

Bretana 1X

Yanayacu Sur 1X

Envidia 1X

594

Santa Lucia 1X

441

682

Santa Catalina 1X

Santa Catalina 1X
720

563

Orellana 1X

Orellana 1X
GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

496

Santa Clara 1A

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

815

Santa Clara 1A

Tertiary

Tertiary

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

U. Cretaceous (ks)
L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

U. Cretaceous (ks)

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

L. Cretaceous (ki)

L. Cretaceous (ki)
U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

Cachiyacu 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Cachiyacu 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Devonian (devonico)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)
Silurian (silurico)
Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Cambrian (cambrico)
Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Figure 14: Isopach of the Upper Cretaceous (Top Vivian to Chonta Limestone Marker)

Silurian (silurico)
Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)

Tahuaya 1X

Permian (permico)
Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 15: Isopach of the Lower Cretaceous (Chonta Limestone Marker to Base Cretaceous)

ECUADOR

Paiche 1X
389

Paiche 1X

50

49

50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

200000 m

Dorado 1X
419

Pirana 1X
Dorado 1X

414

Cunambo 1X

69

Arabela 1X

593
Pirana 1X

294

71
Cunam bo 1X

Tangarana 1X

Arabela 1X

56

Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
711

54

Fore stal Ext 1X

Huayuri N1X

Macusari 1X

83

90

Shiviyacu SE 1X

Dorissa 1X

Andoas 1X

881

Tambo 1X

42

Tam bo 1X
Tam bo S1XD 75

Yanez 1X

58

1141

Margarita 1X

Ceci 1X
754

642

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X
635

853

Bolognesi 1X

Martha 1X

Huasaga 1X

591

1100

358

Plantayacu 1X

Valencia 1X550

72

63

Martha 1X

73 Plantayacu 1X

Huasaga 1X

85

78

Pucacuro 1X
Tuncheplaya 1X

106

63

Nueva Esperanza 1X

535
532

Bolognesi 1X

Yanez 1X

527

Vale ncia 1X
Nueva Espe ranza 1X

91
87

105

Huitoyacu 1X
1189

221

Chambira 1X

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X

Sungachi 1X

121
125

Aerico 1X

736

144

Belen 1X

184

142

Aerico 1X 146

Caterpiza 1X
Piuntza 1X

139

133
Cham bira Este 1X

Zorro 1X

121

Tigrillo 1X

Tigrillo 1X
Limonyacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

1140

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

928

185
513

Putuime 1X

Patoyacu 1X
401

Dominguza 1X

Nahuapa 1X

117
Santa Martha 1X

186

Maranon 110X

170

Mahuaca 1X

143

Concordia 1X

445

154

298

631

164

Pupuntas 1X
Maranon 110X

Mahuaca 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

Nucuray 1X

854

Manseriche 1X

Patoyacu 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

150

Tanguintza 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X 308

666

147

136

Pauyacu 1X

159

Concordia 1X

Nucuray 1X

183

159

Guineayacu 1X

245

Guine ayacu 1X
Ungum ayo 1X

Zorro 1X

457

736

101
Lim onyacu 1X

365 349

Chambira Este 1X

IQUITOS

Copal 1X
Corrie ntes 1X

99

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

382

San Juan 1XD

Cham bira 1X

Belen 1X

386

170

137

123

109

Huitoyacu 1X

224

370

San Juan 1XD

Nanay 1X
Intuto 1X

Intuto 1X
339

Sungaroyacu N 1X

1039

Huangana 1X

Capirona 1X

377

441

Sungachi 1X

1185

122
Chapuli 1X

Nanay 1X

410

Huangana 1X

Capirona 1X

Chapuli 1X

127
Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
109 Tigre 131X

113

95

320

Pavayacu 1XOtorongo 1X
404 Tigre 131X
431

Pucacuro 1X

Tuncheplaya 1X

109

685

Jibarito Sur 1X

Maynas 1X

69

Tucunare 1X

856

477

Jibaro 1X
681 Jibarito 1X

Tucunare 1X

976

Jibarito S1X

Ceci 1X

66
52

758

Andoas 1X

59 Jibarito 1X
55

52
44

Dorissa 1X

91
Jibaro 1X

63

866
Tigre 1X

49

Capahuari N1X

470

Tigre 1X

Capahuari Sur 1X

47 56

Huayuri S1X

Capahuari C1X
Capahuari S1X51

Bartra 1X

750

Huayuri Sur 1X
739
Capahuari Norte 1X

Bartra 1X

57

69

743

84

San Jacinto 1X

Forestal 1X

55

Shiviyacu NE 1X
40
Carm en N1X
Carm en C1X66
52 Carm en 1X
60
Shiviyacu 1X
58
Pilar 1X

419

564

697

Carmen Central 1X
Carmen 1X
747 Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
704
686
Huayuri Norte 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X

Tangarana 1X

405

Maranon 1X

Maranon 22X
Yanayacu 32X

Pauyacu 1X

292

150

Cuinico Sur 1X

178

295

Yanayacu 1X

Diana Mae 1X

152
Maranon 22X

Maranon 1X

Yanayacu 32X

Pastococha 1X

Yanayacu 1X 170

Bretana 1X

Yanayacu Sur 1X

323

159

Pastococha 1X

148

Bretana 1X

Yanayacu Sur 1X

187

238

146

Envidia 1X

135

163

156

Zapote 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

Yarina 1X

130

157
Sam iria 1X

Viracocha 1X

194

252

360

Zapote 1X

Sam iria Sur 1X

115

154

Yurimaguas 1X
692

Tamanco 1X
Loreto 1X

182

Palmera 1X
158

Shanusi 1X
Tam anco 1X

Yurim aguas 1X

116

Loreto 1X

Palo Seco 1X

577
Tapiche 1X

Santa Elena 1X
124

178

114

211

Tapiche 1X
155

339

173

163

Envidia 1X

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

Yarina 1X

195

263

Palm era 1X

La Frontera 1X

104

Shanusi 1X

219

102

131

114

Santa Lucia 1X

Santa Elena 1X

Palo Se co 1X

151

La Frontera 1X

132

Santa Catalina 1X

Santa Lucia 1X

242

189

Orellana 1X
Santa Catalina 1X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

124

238

Santa Clara 1A

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

Tertiary
U. Cretaceous (ks)
L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

Ore llana 1X

L. Cretaceous (ki)

227

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

Santa Clara 1X
Rayo 1X

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

Cachiyacu 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

50
50000

0
0

50

50000

100

100000

150
150000

200km

M. Jurassic (jrmed)
L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)
Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

200000 m

Carboniferous (carboni)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)
Silurian (silurico)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)
Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 16: Isopach of the Vivian Formation

Figure 17: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale to the Top of Vivian)

50
50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

50

200000 m

50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

200000 m

Paiche 1X

Paiche 1X

-1552

514

Dorado 1X

Dorado 1X

-1721

582

Pirana 1X

Piraa 1X
579

Cunambo 1X

-1568

Cunambo 1X
Arabela 1X

Arabela 1X

-2035

792

-1289

441

Tangarana 1X

Tangarana 1X
Forestal Extension 1X San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
914

Forestal Ext 1X San Jacinto 1X

-2504 Forestal 1X

603

768

1223

Yanez 1X
1437

Carmen Central 1X
Bartra 1X
1X
Carmen 1X-2718Shiviyacu
-1962
Pilar 1X
-2574 -2584
Huayuri Norte 1X
Shiviyacu SE 1X
-2794
Tigre 1X
Huayuri Sur 1X
Capahuari Norte-2808
1X
-2052
Jibaro 1X
-3327
Dorissa 1X -2655Jibarito 1X
Capahuari Sur 2X -2967
-2683
Jibarito
Sur
1X
-3339
Ceci 1X
Tambo 1X -3059
-2750
Andoas 1X
Margarita 1X
-3349
-2792 Maynas 1X
-3570 Tucunare 1X
-2724

Bolognesi 1X

873

1108

Martha 1X

Huasaga 1X

836

Yanez 1X

614

Plantayacu 83X

-4049

1605

Pucacuro 1X
Tuncheplaya 1X
-2137
Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
-2513 Tigre 131X
-2318

-2659

Nanay 26X

Capirona 2X Huangana102X Intuto 23X

715

745

-3947

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Belen 4X

Capirona 1X Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

-2476

-2424

Sungachi 1X

-4010

535

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

Aerico 1X -2589-2537

-3829

690

-2683

718

Piuntza 1X

Tigrillo 1X

Chambira Este 1X

Zorro 1X

Caterpiza 1X

801

Piuntza 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

1450

-4158

Ungumayo 1X

-2191

Concordia 17X

855

-3338

Maranon 110X

Mahuaca 1X

595

Cuinico Norte 1X

Nucuray 1X

-3881

Manseriche 1X

684

Patoyacu 1X

Dominguza 1X

Maranon 110-1X
Cuinico N 1X

Nucuray 2X

-2072
-3882

Putuime 1X

1405

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

-4033

-4076

799

Mahuaca 3X

Zorro 1X

-3077

Guineayacu 1X

Patoyacu 1X

Dominguza 1X

Manseriche 1X

Limonyacu 1X

593
892

Putuime 1X

Tigrillo 1X
-3947

1087

Limonyacu 1X

-1910

-2698

Chambira 1X

Chambira Este 123X

Caterpiza 1X

Belen 1X

-2538

Copal 19X
Corrientes 1X
Aerico 1X 709

1063

-1840

-2311

Sungaroyacu N 1X
San Juan 1XD

-4004

718

Chambira 4X

Nanay 1X

-2568

Chapuli 1X
Huitoyacu 1X

516

656

703

San Juan 77XD

1440

Valencia 1X -2580 Nueva Esperanza 1X

-2579

695

1607

-2111
-2607

Valencia 25X 792 Nueva Esperanza 74X

Pucacuro 1XD
780
Tuncheplaya 95X
607
Otorongo 103X
821
Pavayacu 3X
Tigre
131X
687

Sungachi 1X

Bolognesi 1X

Martha 1X
-2699 1X
Plantayacu

-3817

725

Chapuli 1X
Huitoyacu 2X

-2866

-3396

Huasaga 1X

808

1410

-1630

-2182

-2515

887
Carmen Central 5X
951
Bartra 1X
Carmen 1X 952 Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
688
904
884
Huayuri 19X
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
954
Tigre 1X
Huayuri S 33X
Capahuari Norte 1X 939
700
Jibaro 1X
1097
Dorissa 1X 897 Jibarito 1X
Capahuari Sur 1X 975
891
Jibarito
Sur
1X
1101
Ceci 1X
Margarita 1X
987
Andoas 1X
Tucunare 1X
874 Maynas 1X

Concordia 1X

-3413

-4034

-1895

-2958

Pupuntas 1X

Pupuntas 1X
Tanguintza 1X

Pauyacu 1X

Cuinico S 1X

1185

Maranon 8-1X

Diana Mae 1X

Tanguintza 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X -3182

Pauyacu 1X

707

-3926

824

-3376

Maranon 1X

Maranon 22-1X
Yanayacu 32X

Maranon 22X
Yanayacu 32X
Yanayacu 1X

Yanayacu 27X
709

Pastococha 1X
Yanayacu Sur 2X
725

Bretana 1X

Samiria Sur 3X

1293

Loreto 1X

612

-879

Palo Seco 1X

-2523

Santa Elena 3X

-2117

-2197

Palo Seco 1X

-1297

520

557

-1990

La Frontera 1X

Santa Elena 1X
-2097

La Frontera 1X

480

Santa Lucia 2X

Tapiche 1X
Palmera 1X

Shanusi 1X

575

1193

Loreto 1X
-897

Palmera 1X

Shanusi 2X

Tamanco 1X

Yurimaguas 1X
Tapiche 2X
576

855

-2589

-3055

Tamanco 1X

Yurimaguas 2-1X

Zapote 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

639

633

-2003

-2598

-3069

-3100

Zapote 3X

Yarina 1X

-2589

Envidia 1X

Viracocha 1X Samiria 1X

646

656

Bretana 1X

-3116

611

Envidia 1X

Viracocha 1X Samiria 5XC

782

Pastococha 1X
-3251 Yanayacu Sur 1X

Yarina 2X

641

671

-3097
-3120

-1473

Santa Lucia 1X
-1797

592

Santa Catalina 1X

Santa Catalina 2X

-1032

805

Orellana 3X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

Orellana 1X

LEGEND

620
Santa
Clara 1
Santa Clara 1A
Rayo 1X

-208

Tertiary

Santa Clara 1
Santa Clara 1A
Rayo 1X

Tertiary

U. Cretaceous (ks)
L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

U. Cretaceous (ks)

Huaya 4X
Huaya 3X Insaya 1X

Huaya 4X
Huaya 3X Insaya 1X

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

L. Cretaceous (ki)

L. Cretaceous (ki)
U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)
U. Jurassic (jrsup)

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

Maquia 1X Cachiyacu 1X

Ponasillo 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Maquia 1X Cachiyacu 1X

Ponasillo 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)
Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)
Silurian (silurico)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X
Cambrian (cambrico)

Silurian (silurico)
Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)
Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 18: Isopach of the Lower Tertiary (Pozo Shale) to the Chonta Limestone Marker

L. Jurassic (jrinf)

Permian (permico)

Devonian (devonico)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 19: Structure Map Top of the Vivian Formation

Paiche 1X

Paiche 1X

0.47

1.55

50
50000

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

50
50000

Dorado 1X

200000 m

50

50000

100

150

100000

200km

150000

200000 m

Dorado 1X
0.43

Pirana 1X

Pirana 1X

0.30

Cunambo 1X

Cunambo 1X
Arabela 1X

0.39

Arabela 1X

0.14

0.39

0.35

Tangarana 1X

Tangarana 1X
Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
Forestal 1X
0.32

Carmen Central 1X

Dorissa 1X
0.38

Tambo 1X
Andoas 1X
0.17
Tucunare 1X

0.29

0.22
Carmen 1X
0.11

Bartra 1X
0.54

Huayuri Norte 1X

Tambo 1X
Andoas 1X
0.14
Tucunare 1X
0.08

Margarita 1X
Maynas 1X
Bolognesi 1X

Huasaga 1X

Yanez 1X

0.60

0.12

0.68

Plantayacu 1X
Valencia 1X

0.15

Jibaro 1X
0.14 Jibarito 1X
0.24
Jibarito Sur 1X
Ceci 1X

0.21

0.09

Martha 1X

0.23

Tigre 1X

Dorissa 1X
Capahuari Sur 1X

Ceci 1X Jibarito Sur 1X

0.29

0.30

Shiviyacu SE 1X

Huayuri Sur 1X
0.16
Capahuari Norte 1X

Jibaro 1X
0.48 Jibarito 1X

0.32

Bartra 1X

Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
0.11 0.12

0.23

Tigre 1X

Capahuari Sur 1X

0.29

Margarita 1X
1X

0.17
Maynas
0.15

0.11

Bolognesi 1X

Martha 1X

Huasaga 1X

0.08

0.61

Plantayacu 1X
0.18

0.12

Nueva Esperanza 1X

Valencia 1X 0.19 Nueva Esperanza 1X

Tuncheplaya 1X

Tuncheplaya 1X

0.18

Otorongo 1X
Pavayacu 1X
Tigre 131X
0.97

Huitoyacu 1X
0.30

Sungaroyacu N 1X

0.26

0.97
0.24

Huitoyacu 1X
0.27

Belen 1X

San Juan 1XD

Aerico 1X

0.09

Piuntza 1X

0.691.05
0.71

0.82

Chambira Este 1X

Zorro 1X

Caterpiza 1X

Tigrillo 1X

Zorro 1X

0.59

0.09

Piuntza 1X

Guineayacu 1X

Limonyacu 1X

Guineayacu 1X
Ungumayo 1X

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

2.03
0.26

Patoyacu 1X

Patoyacu 1X
Dominguza 1X

Putuime 1X

0.92

0.80

Dominguza 1X

Maranon 110X

Maranon 110X
Mahuaca 1X
Nucuray 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

Concordia 1X

1.39

1.15

0.39

Nahuapa 1X

Santa Martha 1X

0.15

1.08

Manseriche 1X

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

Aerico 1X

0.20

0.92

Ungumayo 1X

Putuime 1X

1.41

0.35

Chambira 1X

0.38

Limonyacu 1X

Belen 1X

San Juan 1XD

0.77

Tigrillo 1X

1.97

1.03

0.52

Sungaroyacu N 1X
0.49

Copal 1X
Corrientes 1X

Chambira Este 1X
Caterpiza 1X

Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

0.36

Sungachi 1X

0.93

0.81

Chambira 1X

Nanay 1X

0.24

Capirona 1X

Chapuli 1X

0.99

0.97

0.87

Sungachi 1X

0.54

Pavayacu 1XOtorongo 1X
0.39 Tigre 131X
0.37

Nanay 1X
Huangana 1X Intuto 1X

Capirona 1X

Chapuli 1X

Pucacuro 1X

0.23

Pucacuro 1X
0.82

0.20

0.28

0.37

0.19

Huayuri Sur 1X
Capahuari Norte 1X

Yanez 1X

Forestal Ext 1X
San Jacinto 1X
0.12 Forestal 1X

0.41

0.65

Carmen Central 1X
Carmen 1X
Shiviyacu 1X
Pilar 1X
Huayuri Norte 1X 0.21 Shiviyacu SE 1X

Mahuaca 1X
Nucuray 1X

0.10

Manseriche 1X

Cuinico Norte 1X

Concordia 1X

0.87

1.05

Pupuntas 1X

Pupuntas 1X
Tanguintza 1X

Tanguintza 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X

Pauyacu 1X
Maranon 1X

Diana Mae 1X
Cuinico Sur 1X 0.79

Pauyacu 1X

1.05

0.34

0.16

0.98

0.42

Maranon 1X

Maranon 22X

Maranon 22X
Yanayacu 32X

Yanayacu 32X

Yanayacu 1X

Yanayacu 1X

0.64

1.08

Pastococha 1X

Pastococha 1X
0.82 Yanayacu Sur 1X
1.01

1.01

Bretana 1X

Yarina 1X

1.20

2.04

Yurimaguas 1X
0.47

1.03

Yurimaguas 1X

Tapiche 1X

0.11

1.61

0.85

2.21

0.76

Tamanco 1X
Loreto 1X

2.07

Zapote 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

1.58

Tamanco 1X
1.23

Loreto 1X

Tapiche 1X
1.96

0.21

Palmera 1X

3.15

Envidia 1X

0.88

0.65

Yarina 1X

1.81

1.04

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

Zapote 1X

Samiria Sur 1X

Bretana 1X

0.82
Yanayacu
Sur 1X

Envidia 1X

Samiria 1X

Viracocha 1X

Palmera 1X

Shanusi 1X

Shanusi 1X
Palo Seco 1X

0.25

0.90

Santa Elena 1X

Palo Seco 1X

0.07

0.66

0.97

1.18

La Frontera 1X

La Frontera 1X
1.28

Santa Lucia 1X

Santa Elena 1X

0.78

Santa Lucia 1X
0.40

0.97

Santa Catalina 1X

Santa Catalina 1X

0.23

1.04

Orellana 1X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

Orellana 1X

GEOLOGICAL LEGEND

0.28

1.01

Santa Clara 1A

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

Tertiary

Santa Clara 1A

Tertiary

Santa Clara 1
Rayo 1X

U. Cretaceous (ks)

U. Cretaceous (ks)

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

L & U Cretaceous (kiks)

Huaya 4X
Insaya 1X
Huaya 3X

L. Cretaceous (ki)

L. Cretaceous (ki)
U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

U. Jurassic & L. Cretaceous (jski)

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

U. Jurassic (jrsup)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

Cachiyacu 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Maquia 1X

Ponasillo 1X

M. Jurassic (jrmed)

Cachiyacu 1X

Amaquiria 32X
Inuya 1X
Pacaya 1X
Cashiboya 1A

L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)

L. Jurassic (jrinf)
Triassic & Jurassic (trjr)
Permian (permico)
Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous & Permian (crb-perm)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Carboniferous (carboni)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)

Cashiboya Sur 29X

Devonian (devonico)
Silurian (silurico)

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Pisqui 1X
Coninca 1X
Coninca 2X

Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)

Ordovician (ordovici)

Tiruntan 1X

Cambrian (cambrico)
Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Pre cambrian (pre-camb)

Tahuaya 1X

Tahuaya 1X

Figure 20: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Lower Cretaceous (excluding the Cushabatay Formation)

Silurian (silurico)

Figure 21: Sand/Shale Ratio Map of the Upper Cretaceous

Line Oxy-23

Line Oxy-U1

Line ADV96-03

Line ADV96-07

Pozo Cycle 3
Pozo Cycle 2 (Datum)
Pozo Cycle 1
Chonta
Agua Caliente
Chonta Lmst
Base
Cretaceous

Sarayaquicllo/Pucar Undiff

Figure 22: West to east composite seismic line through the Maraon Basin showing several cycles of Pozo deposition

Location of composite seismic line.

The line parallels the Ecuador/Peru
Border (not shown), which is located
approximately 10 km northwest of the
Forestal and Macusari Wells

Line ADV96-04

Time Section of Line OXY - 9

Pozo

Chonta Limestone

Vivian
Agua Caliente
Base Cretaceous

Line OXY 9 Flattened on the Pozo

Thickness of Vivian to Chonta
Limestone west of the Fault

Thickness of Vivian to Chonta

Limestone east of the Fault

Pozo

Vivian
Chonta Limestone

Base Cretaceous

Agua Caliente

450 ms of growth into fault

between Pozo and Base Cretaceous

Figure 24: Seismic line OXY 9 across the Situche Graben showing evidence of transtentional tectonics that were active in the northwest Maraon Basin during Cretaceous to Early Tertiary time.

Location of
Line OXY-9

North

South

Pozo

Near Top Vivian

Near Top
Sarayaquillo

Maranon
Basin
Caterpiza 1X

Piuntza 1

Putuime 1
Dominguza 1

Pozo
Manseriche 1X

Tanguintza 1X

Pupuntas 1X

Santiago Basin

Near Top Vivian

SCALE

Near Top
Sarayaquillo

Figure 25: A seismic example from the Santiago Basin demonstrating Cretaceous syn-depositional extensional tectonics. Note the dramatic thinning of the Cretaceous section from south to north.

0 km

30 km

Figure 27: Location of Tambo 3D (southern Block 1AB area)

Figure 28: Amplitude time slice through Tambo 3D survey 475ms below a flattened Pozo datum showing location of composite seismic line

Near Base
Chonta Lmst

Pozo

Figure 30: Carbonate anomalies detailed and datumed on near Base Chonta Limestone.

Near Base
Chonta Lmst
Interval detailed in
Figures 28 and 29
Pucara
Near Base
Chonta Lmst

Figure 31: As in Figure 29 above but displayed as an instantaneous amplitude section.

Figure 29: Composite 3D line through two buildups associated with the Chonta Limestone, with Pozo datum

Location of Line CP-739802

shown in Figure 35

Figure 33: Isochron Map of the Lower Sarayaquillo Unit (See Enclosure 14)

Figure 34: Isochron Map of the Upper Sarayaquillo Unit (See Enclosure 15)

CARMEN CENTRAL 1X
(no synthetic)

Yahuarango

Upper Pozo
Pozo

Cushabatay

Top Chonta
Chonta Lmst Agua Caliente
Base Cretaceous
Base Sarayaquillo

Detailed
Detailed
display of
thisdisplay
section of
this
shownsection
in
shown
Figure
23 in

Figure 23

Northern projection of
Capahuari North Structure

CARMEN CENTRAL 1X
(no synthetic)

The mistie within the Macusari well is due

to the possible time transgressive nature of
the Pozo sand. The Pozo sand in the well
may actually belong to the Upper Pozo
reflector.

Chonta Lmst

Upper Pozo
Pozo (Datum)

Yahuarango

Chonta
Agua Caliente
Base Cretaceous

Cushabatay

Base Sarayaquillo

Principle Maraon Basin Hingeline Fault

Northern projection of
Capahuari North Structure

Figure 108: Seismic Line Oxy-23 through several productive structures in the northern Maraon Basin. The upper display is in present-day 2WT section and the lower display is flattened on the Pozo showing structure development during early
Tertiary time.

Sungachi 1

Steranes &

2 x Tet < T25 + T26

Sungachi 1
Tet

Time (min)

Tambo 1

Steranes &

Samiria Sur 1 DST-1

Tet

2 x Tet > T25 + T26

And
2 x Tet >> T25 + T26

T25
Time (min)

Tiraco Dome
Figure 51 Comparison of Sterane biomarker patterns of Sungachi and Tambo oils.
Note close correlation due to close genetic relationship. (Modified from CTI, 2000).

Figure 52: Distribution patterns of C25 and C26 Tricyclic Trepanes

(T25 and T26) and C24-Tetracyclic Terpane (Tet) in Sungachi
1,Samiria oils and Tiraco Dome Seep (Modified from CTI, 2000).

200000

400000

200000

600000

9800000

A'

Pirana 1X
1.09

ECUADOR

1.01

9800000

Forestal 1X
0.66

Forestal 1X
0.61

600000

A'

Pirana 1X

ECUADOR

400000

B'

B'

Jibaro 1X
0.69

Jibaro 1X
0.63
Tucunare 1X

Yanez 1X
0.83

Yanez 1X
0.76

Valencia 1X

0.74

Tucunare 1X
0.85
Valencia 1X
0.65

0.61

Chapuli 1X
0.81

Chapuli 1X
9600000

0.73

9600000

Corrientes 1X
0.65

Corrientes 1X

IQUITOS

Chambira Este 1X
0.58

IQUITOS

Chambira Este 1X
0.69

0.61

C'

C'

Maranon 110X

Mahuaca 1X

0.59

0.87

Maranon 110X
0.59

Mahuaca 1X
1.08

Yanayacu 1X

Yanayacu 1X
0.73

0.67
Yarina 1X

Yarina 1X
0.62

0.54
9400000

Shanusi 1X

0.62

Loreto 1X

Tapiche 1X

0.67

0.49

La Frontera 1X
Santa Lucia 1X
0.50
0.51
Santa Catalina 1X

La Frontera 1X
0.58
Santa Lucia 1X
0.59
Santa Catalina 1X
0.65

Early Matu re O il W in d o w

Ro %

Mid Matu re O il W in d o w

Ro % 0.7 - 1.0

0.5 - 0.7

Orellana 1X
0.70

0.58

BRAZIL

9200000

400000

Tapiche 1X
0.59

Loreto 1X
0.75
Shanusi 1X
0.69

0.54
Orellana 1X

200000

9400000

600000

Figure 56: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Chonta level.

L ate Matu re O il W i n d o w

Ro % 1.0 - 1.3

0 n
Main G as G en eratio

Ro % 1.3 - 2.6

BRAZIL
9200000

200000

400000

600000

Figure 57: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Chonta level.
Maturity increases to the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at
shallow depths.

200000

400000

200000

600000

9800000

9800000

Forestal 1X

B'

B'

PU
CA
RA Jibaro 1X
W
ED
G
Tucunare 1X
E
1.13

Yanez 1X

P
UC
A Jibaro 1X
R
A
W
E
Tucunare 1X DG
E
1.32

Valencia 1X

1.09

Valencia 1X

1.31

Chapuli 1X

Chapuli 1X

9600000

1.28

1.08

9600000

A'

ECUADOR

Forestal 1X

Yanez 1X

600000

Pirana 1X

A'

Pirana 1X

ECUADOR

400000

Corrientes 1X

Corrientes 1X

IQUITOS

Chambira Este 1X

C'

C'

Maranon 110X

Mahuaca 1X

IQUITOS

Chambira Este 1X

Maranon 110X

Mahuaca 1X
2.33

1.81

Yanayacu 1X

Yanayacu 1X

Yarina 1X

Yarina 1X

9400000

9400000

Shanusi 1X

1.35

1.08
La Frontera 1X
Santa Lucia 1X
1.09
Santa Catalina 1X
1.23
Orellana 1X

C
400000

Early Matu re O il W ind o w

Ro %

Mid Matu re O il W ind o w

Ro % 0.7 - 1.0

1.55

1.32

La Frontera 1X
Santa Lucia 1X

0.5 - 0.7

1.26
Santa Catalina 1X

L ate Matu re O il W ind o w

Ro % 1.0 - 1.3

1.51
Orellana 1X

Main G as G en eratio n

Ro % 1.3 - 2.6

1.04

1.38

BRAZIL

BRAZIL

9200000

200000

Tapiche 1X

Loreto 1X

Tapiche 1X

Loreto 1X
Shanusi 1X

600000

Figure 58: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at Top Pucar level.

9200000

200000

400000

600000

Figure 59: Present-Day Maturity in the Maraon Basin at bottom Pucara level. Maturity
increases to the deep Western basin and to the NE where the Basement is at shallow depths.

MAHUACA 3X

CHAPULI 1X

YAEZ 14X

55 KM

140 KM

TUCUNARE 1X

FORESTAL 3X

70 KM

PIRANA 1X

73 KM

100 KM
0

Ro%
EARLY MATURE OIL WINDOW 0.5 0.7
MID MATURE OIL WINDOW

0.7 1.0

LATE MATURE OIL WINDOW

1.0 1.3

-1000

MAIN G AS G ENERATION

1.3 2.6

1000

1000
-

2000

2000

2000

UPPER TER TIARY

2000

1000

1000

1000

1000

2000

2000

-2000

BASEMEN T

3000

3000

3000

3000
M
e
t
e
r
s

3000
?

PO ZO SHALE

-3000

YAHUARANGO

4000

4000

4000

4000

VIVIAN

-4000

CHONTA

Dorado 1X

Piraa 1X
Piraa 1X

CHONTA LS
AGUA CALIEN TE
5000

Cunambo 1
Arabela 1X

Forestal

3X

Tangarana 1

Forestal Extension 1

San Jacinto 01
Forestal 01

RAYA
CUSHABATAY

5000

-5000

Shiviyacu Norteste 1
Carmen Central 5X
Carmen 1
Bartra 01

Shiviyacu
01 1X
Pilar
Shiviyacu Sureste 1X
Huayuri 19X
Macusari 1X

Huayuri S 33X

Tigre 1

Capahuari Norte 1
Jibaro 1X
Capahuari Central 1

Dorissa 01

Jibarito 27X

Capahuari S 01

Jibarito Sur X 1

Tucunare 1X
Ceci X 1

Tambo
1 XD 1
Tambo
Sur

Yanez 1X

Margarita 1X

Andoas 1

Maynas 1X

Tucunare 1X

Bolognesi 1
Yanez 1

Martha X 1

Plantayacu X 1

Huasaga 1

Valencia 1
Nueva Esperanza 1

Pucacuro 1
Tuncheplaya X 1

SARAYAQUILLO

Otorongo X 1
Pavayacu X 3
Tigre 131X

Chapuli 1X

Huangana102X

Capirona 2X

Huitoyacu 2X

PUCARA

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Sungachi 1X

-6000

Intuto 23X

Chapuli X-1

San Juan 1

Chambira 4X

Copal 19X
Corrientes X 1
Aerico 1

Chambira Este 123

Caterpiza 1X

Tigrillo 1

Piuntza 1
Limonyacu 1X

Ungumayo 1
Santa Martha 1X

Patoyacu 1

Putuime 1 Dominguza 1

MITU

M ahuaca
?

1X

Mahuaca X 1

Cuinico N 1
Nucuray 1

Manseriche 1X
Pupuntas 1X
Diana Mae 1

-7000

?
?

Figure 60: Present day maturity in the northwestern and northern Maraon Basin.

Tanguintza 1X

Pauyacu 1
Cuinico S 1

SHANUSI 2X

LORETO 1X

YANAYACU 27X

33 KM

CORRIENTES 1X

130 KM

VALENCIA 25X

103 KM

125 KM

UPPER TERTIARY

FORESTAL 3X

45 KM
0

Ro%
EARLY MATURE OIL WINDOW

0.5 0.7

MID MATURE OIL WINDOW

0.7 1.0

LATE MATURE OIL WINDOW

1.0 1.3
1000
1.3
2.6

MAIN GAS
1000 GENERATION

1000

1000

JIBARO 1X

60 KM

1000

1000

1000

-1000

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

2000

-2000

POZO SHALE
M
e
t
e
r
s

YAHUARANGO
VIVIAN
3000

3000

3000

3000

-3000

CHONTA

3000

3000

3000
-

AGUA CALIENTE

RAYA

CUSHABATAY
SARAYAQUILLO
Forestal

MITU

3X

Tangarana 1

Forestal Extension 1

San Jacinto 01
Forestal 01
Shi viyacu Norteste 1
Carmen Central 5X
Carmen 1
Bartra 01
Shiv iyacu
01 1X
Pilar
Shivi yacu Sureste 1X
Huayuri 19X
Macusari 1X

4000

Jibaro 1X

Huayuri S 33X

Ti gre 1

Capahuari Norte 1

J ibaro 1X

4000

Capahuari Central 1

Doris sa 01

Ji bari to 27X

Capahuari S 01

J ibarito Sur X 1

Ceci X 1
Tambo
1 XD 1
Tambo
Sur

Margarita 1X
Andoas 1
Maynas 1X
Tucunare 1X

PUCARA

-4000

Bolognesi 1

Yanez 1

Martha X 1

Huasaga 1

Valencia 25X

Plantay acu X 1

Valencia 1
N ueva Esperanza 1

Puc acuro 1
Tuncheplaya X 1

Otorongo X 1
Pavay acu X 3

Tigre 131X

Nanay 26X
Huangana102X

Capi rona 2X

Intuto 23X

Chapul i X-1
Hui toy acu 2X

Sungaroyacu Norte 1X
Sungachi 1X

Corrientes

1X

Bel en 4

San Juan 1

Chambira 4X

Copal 19X
Corrientes X 1
Aeri co 1

Chambira Este 123

Zorro 1X

Tigril lo 1

Limonyacu 1X
Ungumay o 1

Nahuapa 1
Santa Martha 1X

Patoyacu 1

MITU

Maranon 110
Mahuaca X 1

Cuinic o N 1

Concordia 17X

Nucuray 1

Di ana Mae 1
Pauyacu 1
Cui ni co S 1

Yanayacu 27X
Maranon 22 1

Maranon 1

Yanayacu 27X

Pastococha 1X
Yanayac u Sur 2 X
Bretana 1

Yanayacu Sur 2X

5000
-5000

Virac ocha X 1

Envi di a 1

Samiria 5X

Zapote 3X
Samiri a Sur 3X

?
Tamanco 1

Yurimaguas 2-1

Loreto 1

Shanusi 2X

Loreto 1X

Tapiche 1

Pal mera 1

Shanusi 1
Santa Elena 1
Palo Seco 1X

Figure 61: Present day maturity in the southwestern and central Maraon Basin.

ORELLANA

SANTA CATALINA 2X

34 KM

SANTA LUCIA 2X

47 KM

LA FRONTERA 3X

43 KM

TAPICHE 2X

88 KM

YARINA 2X

MARAON 110X

76 KM

90 KM

0
0

Ro%
0.5 0.7

EARLY MATURE OIL WINDOW

UPPER TER TIARY

1000

1000

0.7 1.0

LATE MATURE OIL WINDOW

1.0 1.3

MAIN G AS G ENERATION
1000

1000

1000

1000

MID MATURE OIL WINDOW

1.3 2.61000

-1000

2000

2000
M
e
t
e
r
s

2000

2000

2000

-2000

2000

2000

YAHUARANGO

PO ZO SHALE
VIVIAN
CHONTA

SARAYAQUILLO

AGUA CALIEN TE
PUCARA

3000

3000

3000

-3000

BASEMEN T
MITU

RAYA

CUSHABATAY 3000
COPACABANA

AMBO

3000
-

CONTAYA

CABANILLAS

?
Ungumayo 1

Nahuapa 1
Santa Martha 1X

Patoya cu 1

Maranon 110-1

Maranon 110
M ahu aca X 1

Cuinico N 1

Concordia 17X

Nucuray 1

4000

4000

BASEMEN T

Diana Mae 1
Pauyacu 1
Cuinico S 1

Maranon 22 1

Maranon 1

Y an ayacu 27X

Yarina 2X

Pastococha 1X

Bretana
B
retana 1

-4000

EN E?

Yarina
Y
arina 1

Envid
E
nvid ia 1
Samiria
S
amiria 5X
Viraco cha X 1

Zapote 3X
Samiria Sur 3X

Tapiche 2X

Tamanco 1

Yurimag uas 2-1

Tapiche 1
Loreto 1

Palmera
P
almera 1

COPACABANA

Shanusi 1
Santa Elena 1
Palo
P
alo Seco 1X

Santa Lucia 2X
Santa
S
anta Lucia 1

La Frontera 1

La Frontera 3X

Santa Catalina 2X
Santa Catalina 2X

Orellana 3X

Orellana 3X

Santa
Clara 1
Santa Clara
1A
Rayo 1

Figure 62: Present day maturity in the southern and southeastern Maraon Basin. A pre-Cretaceous maturity history is implied east of the Santa Lucia 2X well.