PetroEdge Solutions - Cuba Geological Sketch

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Cuba Geological Sketch

Geochemical Solutions International, Inc. (GSI)

The structural framework of the Cuban Archipelago and its adjacent seas formed primarily as a result of the collision and subsequent subduction of the Caribbean Plate (Cretaceous Volcanic Arch or Zaza terrain) under the North American continental margin during the Late Cretaceous-Middle Eocene Laramide Orogeny (Shein et al., 1975, 1980, 1985; Tenreyro et al., 1991, 1994, SPT-CUPET, 1993; Lopez et al., 1995).

The structural framework was influenced by the isostatic adjustment and lateral displacement (through shear faults) (Shein et al., op.cit.; Iturralde, 1972, 1984: SPT-CUPET,1993; Tenreyro et al., op.cit.; Echevarria et al., 1991; Socorro et al., 1995; Sosa et al., 1998). These processes led to uplift and subsequent erosion of mountains and formation of new depocenters, giving rise to the main geological and tectonic provinces that characterize this portion of the Caribbean-Mexican region.

Cuba Map

Available Oil Study

Geochemical Solutions International Inc. (GSI) has conducted an evaluation of the petroleum systems active in Cuba. This study was designed to provide an understanding of the origin and distribution of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons in Cuba in order to assist exploration efforts in the less developed regions. It was accomplished by the geochemical analysis of more than 100 crude oil samples from the major stratigraphic horizons.

Crude oil samples were characterized through the use of a detailed analytical program including gas chromatography, stable carbon isotopes, and quantitative biomarker analysis of saturate and aromatic fractions by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Detailed age-and source-facies biomarker analyses were performed using GC/MS-MS on selected samples from each oil family.

A regional framework was established by determining the number of distinct oil families. Source inferences with regard to age and paleoenvironment were made and source to oil correlations were established through comparison with source rock information form the literature. Oil chemistries were also used to identify complex processes determining oil quality which include, source facies variations, relative maturity, biodegradation, water washing, evaporative fractionation, gas stripping and remigration, and mixing of hydrocarbons. Detailed understanding of all these processes has important implications for exploration activity in the region.

Deliverables include the analytical data generated from the crude oils and an interpretive report. The interpretive report includes a map showing the distribution of oil families.

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