GOM

Potential Source-Rocks

Mediterranean-Type Basins

On this Canvas autotrace of a Gulf of Mexico seismic line (Walker Ridge area), the prediction of potential source-rocks is very easy. In fact, above the oceanic crust, a Meso-Cenozoic Mediterranean-type basin was deposited. The parallel and aggradational configuration of the transgressive phase of the post-Phanerozoic continental encroachment cycle strongly suggests the presence of a source rock interval at the top of which organic rich sediments rich were deposited. They form the conventional generating petroleum sub-system that have generated or still generate the GOM hydrocarbons. The top of the organic interval is highlighted downlap surface which marks a very important non-depositional hiatus between the transgressive Cretaceous and regressive Cenozoic phase of the Mediterranean-type basin.