Dr. James N. Kellogg
Andean Geophysical Laboratory,
Dept. of Geological Sciences,
University of South Carolina,
Columbia, SC 29208
(803)777-4501 /
Fax: (803)777-9133

BACK TO
PROJECTS

 Welcome to the Andean Geophysical Laboratory CGP Page

Discussion:

The Colombian Geophysical Project (CGP) was a two year interdisciplinary project (1993-1995) to interpret the geophysical and geologic data for Colombia's Eastern Cordillera and Foothills. A range of advanced software for geographic information systems (ARC/Info), structural interpretations (Midland Valley), and gravity and magnetic interpretation (Northwest Geophysical and PG&W) were used for the CGP. The CGP Products are contained in four volumes:
  • Tecnical Project Report (with data tape and diskettes) (Vol. 1)
  • Map Atlas (Vol. 2)
  • Profile and Seismic Atlas (Vol. 3)
  • Cont. Profile and Seismic Atlas (Vol. 4)

Four regional profiles were interpreted with seismic time sections, depth sections, gravity and magnetic models, and retrodeformed sections. Complete Bouguer, regional, residual, total field aeromagnetic, Euler deconvolution, structural interpretation of Euler trends, structure map - base of Cretaceous, and prospective areas maps were produced.

Based on surface geology, seismic, well, gravity, and aeromagnetic data, we interpret the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia as an inverted Cretaceous basin, with approximately 140 km of late Miocene to Recent shortening. The basin was produced by thermal subsidence following Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rifting.

Within the Cordillera, the principal magnetic sources are parallel to the structural strike of the range, NE-SW and locate Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous-age horsts and grabens.

Basement depth maps based on the potential field data suggest areas of potential hydrocarbon prospectivity. Within the Eastern Cordillera, the upper part of the Cretaceous section has remained within the oil generating window. Prospective areas are located along both flanks of the Cordillera, including the Coporro, Villavicencio, and Alto del Trigo structures. Footwall traps within the Cordillera, including the Soapaga structure and salt-cored anticlines in the Bogota Basin may be prospective.

One exciting discovery of the CGP study was that a number of hydrocarbon-producing basement-high structures, including the giant Cano Limon and Cusiana fields, are associated with positive residual gravity anomalies. Over 16 potential plays in the Llanos/Vichada area are defined by positive gravity residual closures. Gravity and magnetic measurements indicate the presence of east-northeast trending Pre-Cretaceous sedimentary basins within the Llanos/Vichada area, probably of Ordovician or Devonian-age. Shallow burial may have preserved part of the Paleozoic section within the oil window for a sufficient amount of time to provide prospective areas.

BACK TO PROJECTS


Last updated July 10, 2007 by Obi Egbue oegbue@geol.sc.edu
http://www.geol.sc.edu/agl/
Copyright ©  the University of South Carolina