See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282614085

SEA-LEVEL CHANGES AND TECTONIC

INFLUENCE IN THE DEPOSITION OF THE CABO
BLANCO MEMBER: EXAMPLE OF AN EOCENE
FLUVIO-ESTUARINE SYSTEM IN TALARA
BASIN, NW PERÚ

ARTICLE · JANUARY 2004

CITATION READS

1 8

3 AUTHORS, INCLUDING:

José A B Daudt Santiago A. Grosso

BP plc Pluspetrol S.A.
15 PUBLICATIONS 1 CITATION 20 PUBLICATIONS 17 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Available from: José A B Daudt

Retrieved on: 17 March 2016
 Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica del Perú v. 97 (2004) p. 67-80

SEA-LEVEL CHANGES AND TECTONIC INFLUENCE

IN THE DEPOSITION OF THE CABO BLANCO MEMBER:
EXAMPLE OF AN EOCENE FLUVIO-ESTUARINE
SYSTEM IN TALARA BASIN, NW PERÚ

J. A. DAUDT1, S. GROSSO1 & M.D. SULLIVAN2

1
Petrobras Energía Perú
2
Dept. of Geociences – California State University, Chico - USA

ABSTRACT

The lower Eocene (Ypresian) Cabo Blanco Member of the Echinocyamus Formation in the Talara Basin, NW
Perú, is comprised of a mixture of fluvial and estuarine sandstones and conglomerates deposited in an east-west
trending valley system.
In order to better understand the subsurface stratigraphy of the “Block X” area, which is operated by
Petrobras Energía, an integrated well-log, core and outcrop sequence stratigraphic study of the Cabo Blanco Member
was undertaken. Based on this integrated analysis, the Cabo Blanco Member is interpreted as a fourth-order sequence.
The lowstand system tract of this fourth-order sequence was only deposited on the low-side of the major north-
south trending normal fault, by passing the “Block X” area where very little or no deposition related to this time was
found. These normal faults were reactivated as inverse faults during a compressional phase that started in the middle
Eocene (Lutetian), making this unit accessible in outcrops along the present coast line. The deposits show high
energetic parental conditions, and are composed of coarse-grained, fluvially-dominated conglomerates and sandstones.
As the sea transgressed, the site of sand deposition shifted to the east. The “Block X” area, which was
previously a “by-pass” zone, during this time became the main site of sand deposition, where the systems started
trying to reach the equilibrium profile by filling the incised valleys created in the lowstand. Differently from the
lowstand deposits, the transgressive strata are much finer grained (fine- to medium-grained sandstones), tide-dominated
and not fluvial-dominated. This fine grained nature is not consistent with the assumption that these deposits were the
proximal equivalent of the lowstand, coarse-grained fluvial. This evidence supports the interpretation that these two
units represent different systems tracts or events.
Subsequent highstand deposits are developed when the accommodation is high enough to allows the supra-
tidal progradation, generating fining-upward log motifs of shallowing upward tidally-influenced sedimentation.
The youngest event within the Cabo Blanco Member reflects a tectonic reactivation in the area, and is
represented by coarse-grained fluvial deposits of relative thin, but continuous conglomeratic facies. This fluvial
system is apparently in angular unconformity with the underlying deposits, generating a new fourth-order tectonic-
driven sequence boundary. Rapid base level rise drowns this last event in this portion of the basin, corresponding to a
flooding surface of regional character.

RESUMEN

El Miembro Cabo Blanco de la Formación Echinocyamus del Eoceno inferior (Ypresiano) en la cuenca de
Talara, Noroeste de Perú está compuesto por areniscas y conglomerados de un ambiente mixto fluvio-estuarino
depositados en un paleovalle con tendencia Este-Oeste.
Para comprender mejor la estratigrafía de subsuelo del area del Bloque X, el cual es operado por Petrobras
Energía, se realizó un estudio integrado de perfiles eléctricos, coronas y estratigrafía secuencial de afloramientos del
Miembro Cabo Blanco. Basado en este análisis, el Miembro Cabo Blanco es interpretado como una secuencia de cuarto
orden.
El sistema sedimentario encadenado de nivel bajo de esta secuencia de cuarto orden fue solamente depositado
en la parte baja de una falla normal con rumbo Norte-Sur, pasando por el área del Bloque X donde muy escasa o ninguna
depositación relacionada a este evento fue encontrada. Estas fallas normales fueron reactivadas como inversas durante
una fase compresional empezada en el Eoceno medio (Lutetiano), la cual hizo a esta unidad accesible en afloramientos
a lo largo de la costa actual. Los depósitos representan un sistema depositacional de alta energía y están compuestos
por areniscas y conglomerados de grano grueso dominantemente fluviales.
A medida que el mar transgredía, el área de depositación de arenas se desplazaba hacia el Este, cubriendo
68 J. A. Daudt, et al.

el Bloque X, que había sido previamente una zona de pasaje de sedimentos. Durante este tiempo llegó a ser el lugar más
importante de depositación de arena y el sistema comenzó a tratar de alcanzar su perfil de equilibrio mediante el
relleno de valles incisos creados durante el nivel bajo. A diferencia de los depósitos de nivel bajo, los niveles transgresivos
están dominados por mareas y no por depositación fluvial. Los sedimentos transgresivos son de grano más fino,
compuestos por areniscas de grano fino a medio sin influencia fluvial. Esta granulometría fina no es consistente con
la suposición de que estos depósitos fueron equivalentes proximales del relleno de nivel bajo de grano grueso del
sistema fluvial. Esta evidencia sostiene la interpretación de que estas dos unidades representan diferentes sistemas
encadenados o diferentes eventos.
Los depósitos de nivel alto subsiguientes son desarrollados cuando el balance entre el espacio de acomodación
y el aporte de sedimentos favorece la progradación supramareal, generando electrofacies granodecrecientes de
sedimentación somerizante hacia arriba.
El evento más joven identificado dentro del Miembro Cabo Blanco, reflejo de una reactivación tectónica en el
área, está compuesto por depósitos fluviales de grano grueso que generan un nuevo límite de secuencia de cuarto
orden. Los depósitos son conglomerádicos, de carácter continuo pero de relativamente poco espesor, los cuales estan
en aparente discordancia angular sobre los depósitos infrayacentes. Un rápido ascenso del nivel del base ahoga este
último evento en esta porción de la cuenca, correspondiendo a una superficie de inundación de carácter regional.

INTRODUCTION four tectonic repetitions are recognized in subsurface,

The Echinocyamus Formation of the Talara Basin
is one of the most important targets in the Block X area
(Figure 1). Since 2002, several secondary recovery projects
have been established in order to increase the oil recovery
in this play. Additionally, in 2004 Petrobras Energía is going
to drill new infill prospects targeting the production of the
remaining potential of this play.
The Cabo Blanco Member is the lowermost unit
of the Echinocyamus Formation (Figure 2), overlying the
Clavel Formation, which is a predominantly marginal marine
shale (A. Fildani, personal communication) of great lateral
extension. The Echinocyamus Formation is part of a
regressive megacycle which started in the Paleocene-Lower
Eocene, ending in about Middle Eocene when a local
tectonic event abruptly deepens the basin. In a general
view, the system has evolved from east to west in a
transverse-basin filling trend (perpendicularly to the
longest axis of the basin, according to Palomino & Carozzi,
1979). The sediment input and paleo-flows were likely to
be originated in the Amotape Range located east.
In terms of chronostratigraphy, Pozo (2002) has
presented a complete integration of all biostratigraphic data
of Block X, indicating that the whole Echinocyamus
Formation was deposited in about 1.2 my. Based on this
previous work, it is estimated that the Cabo Blanco Member
was deposited in about 0.3 my, being considered as a fourth
order sequence.
The aim of this paper is briefly present a new
depositional model, integrating the information provided
by outcrops, cores and electrical logs into a sequence
stratigraphic model. This new interpretation has important
implications for the reservoir development, especially in
the Block X area, as the facies and facies associations
show different reservoir characteristics between the
outcrops and the subsurface. Additionally, this model
increase the importance of the tectonic repeated section
that is found in the wells close to the present coast line as
this section is fluvial-prone of better characteristics. Up to
becoming a new target for future projects.
The study is part of a reservoir characterization
project, which is still in progress. The initial phase was
achieved with the revision and adjustment of the geological
model, facies and facies association definition and
establishment of the main petrophisical parameters of each
architectural element. Future steps include the 3D mapping
of the architectural elements and characterization of the
other members of the Echinocyamus Formation (Somatito
and Central Member).
SEDIMENTOLOGY
Brief outcrop description
There are several outcrops of the Cabo Blanco
Member in the Block X and neighbouring areas. In the El
Faro and El Ñuro area (Figure 1), the interpretation suggests
a strong fluvial influence with subordinate tidal influence
in the upper part of the outcrop. In the El Ñuro outcrop
(section studied in detail), the deposits are composed by a
series of sand units which range between 2 and 4 meters
thick. The sandstones are quartz-feldespatic, friable,
medium to coarse-grained, well to poorly sorted. A set of 3
plugs were taken in this fluvial deposits showing a range
of porosity of 24 to 27 % and very high values of
permeability (between 2 and 8 darcies). These values are
likely to be abnormal and are related to the natural rock
descompaction when in surface.
Relatively wide and shallow channels (up to 70 x
2 meters) were identified (Figure 3) and sometimes it is
possible to recognize multistorey channels with high lateral
amalgamation. Sheet-like sandy bodies, apparently tabular
in shape, were also recognized. The sandstone beds show
either progradational stacking pattern (which could suggest
deposition in a river-dominated mouth bar as can be seen
in Figure 4), or retrograding stacking pattern, which could
represents cycles of channel migration and abandonment.
The primary tractional structures predominate (trough
cross bedding, tabular cross bedding, etc).
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb. 69

Atlantic
Pacific Ocean Ocean
El Ñuro Outcrop
Talara Pacific
Basin Ocean
Brazil
Block X

Perú
5 km
Fig. 1: Location map for the Talara Basin, including the studied area (Block X).

Abs
Age Chrono Lithostratigraphy Description
my
48.5
Ballena MB Plataformal sandstones
Echinocyamus
Lower Eocene

Constancia Mb. Shales

Formation
Tert iary

Somatito Mb. Plataformal deposits

Verde Mb. Shales

49.4
Cabo Blanco Mb. Fluvio-estuarine deposits
49.7
Clavel Fm. Marine Marginal shales
Fig. 2: Simplified stratigraphical chart of the Echinocyamus Formation showing its different members and their overall
interpretation. The absolute age was based on Pozo (2002).

Fig. 3: Lenticular external geometry of, approximately, 40 m of width (the figure does not show the whole extention of this element).
This channelized feature was interpreted as a fluvial channel which is part of the incised valley system. El Ñuro outcrop.
70 J. A. Daudt, et al.

Metric intervals of highly bioturbated medium-

Fig.4: Progradational stacking pattern suggesting deposition
in a river-dominated mouth bars.
El Ñuro outcrop.
to fine- grained sediments, oyster shell prone, are indicative
of marine transgression during the deposition of the fluvial
system (Figure 5). These bodies are up to 3 meters thick
with apparently low faunal diversity, predominating
dwelling structures, made mainly by Ophiomorphas,
Arenicolites and Skolithos, characterizing a Skolithos
Icnofacies assemblage. Storm-induced periods are
interpreted in some intervals where some calcitic
percolation allowed the visualization of hummocky cross-
stratification (Figure 6). These deposits are laterally
continuous with the highly bioturbated level, suggesting
time correlation between storm and fair weather conditions,
as mentioned by Dott (1983). This happens because the
biogenic activity was enhanced during the fair weather
time, taking advantage of the high amount of food made
available by the sporadic storm, which reworked the
substratum.
Upward in this outcrop, there is a little increase in
the tidal influence, although the grain size has not changed
very much. The tidal influence is interpreted by the presence
of sigmoidal cross stratification in the coarser material and
some mud drape cross stratification in the finer material.
Cutting the previous sequence, a new fluvial event
was recognized in the very upper interval of this outcrop.
The deposits are characteristically made of conglomeratic
sandstones and conglomerates, clast to matrix-supported,
trough-cross bedded, with lenticular geometry.

Fig.5: Medium to fine sandy interval, highly bioturbated and cemented. The low diversity vertical bioturbation predominates,
showing trace fossils with lined walls suggesting dwelling icnofabric in a high energetic environment (Skolithos Icnofacies?). It is
possible to identify the following icnofossils: Ophiomorpha, Skolithos and possibly Arenicolites.
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb.
Fig.6: The same interval of figure 5. Medium to Fine-grained deposits with hummocky-cross stratification representing periods of
storm deposition. Laterally this interval shows high bioturbation level despite its low icnofabric diversity.
Subsurface Facies
Several cores were analysed in order to establish
the correspondence between subsurface and outcrops.
However, this connection was difficult to recognize as the
subsurface data show much more tidal influence than the
outcropping rocks. The Cabo Blanco sediments, in
subsurface, are dominantly sandy, fine- to very fine-
grained instead of coarse- to very coarse- grained in
outcrops.
Using electric logs, a regional subsurface map
was constructed based on the relative sand-to-shale
thickness. This map (Figure 7) shows the main depositional
pathways and sandstone-body geometries for this unit.
This map confirms the general East to West paleotrend,
being the El Ñuro and El Faro outcrops located in two
more channalized portions of the system.
A typical electrical log with cored interval is
presented in Figure 8 where it is possible to see the
sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the fourth-order
Cabo Blanco sequence.
Lithofacies characteristics
Supra-tidal Bioturbated Shales Lithofacies
This facies is marked by the presence of calcareous
nodules of different sizes. These nodules, an indirect
evidence of soil generation, are derived from shoreface
erosion from soil horizont (calcretes or discrete caliche
intervals) formed during the subaerial exposure of the
sequence boundary, according to Van Wagoner et al (1990).
The subsequent rapid transgression concentrates the
material as lag on the transgressive surface. Thus, the
calcareous nodules intervals were considered indicative
of both sequence boundary and transgressive surface
71
(Figura 9). It was also identified intervals of brown-reddish
shales, interpreted as an initial phase of soil generation
(Figure 10).
The bioturbation is characterized by a medium
diversity, horizontal (feeding) trace fossils usually
predominate. Planolithes are the most common trace fossil,
followed by Thalassinoides and rare Arenicolites and
Chondrites. The Cruziana ichnofacies assemblage was
interpreted.
For the supra-tidal facies, petrophysical data
indicate very low horizontal permeability (40% of samples
between 0.01 mD and 0.1 mD; maximum value found: 0.15
mD, minimum: 0.0045 mD, average is 0.032 mD), and about
80% of the porosity values are between 5% and 10%
(maximum value found: 6.8%, minimum: 3%; average is
5.6%).
Inter-tidal Stratified Sandstones Lithofacies
This facies corresponds to deposition in a high-
energy environment which was not favorable to the
bioturbation and where tractional sedimentary processes
predominated. The presence of clay drapes is indicative of
deposition by periodically waning flows, a very good
diagnostic of tidal influence, generating what is described
here as mud-drape cross stratification. In some intervals, it
is possible to identify neap-spring cycles in sedimentation,
resulted from the cyclicity in the Sun-moon alignment
(Visser, 1980). In the cores, the external geometry of the
body sometimes can be suggested by the upward
increasing of the angle of the stratification, allowing the
use of the term Sigmoidal cross-stratification (Figure 11).
For the inter-tidal facies, petrophysical data
indicate that 56% of the horizontal permeability values are
between 1 mD and 10 mD (maximum value found: 79 mD,
72 J. A. Daudt, et al.

Block X Limit
(aprox. Present day coastline)
No data studied
in the offshore area

El Ñuro Outcrop

A
A´

Fig.7: Sand-Gross distribution for the Cabo Blanco Member in the studied area. It is possible to identify the main pathways for the
sand deposition. These pathways correspond to paleo-valleys which were cut during a sea level drop (see reference in the text). In
the figure are also indicated the El Ñuro outcrop area and the present day cost line. It is also showed the A-A´ cross section of
Figure 19. Darker colors represent thinner sandy deposits. Maximun countor curve: 150 feet.

GR Log

LST
New fluvial incision
SB2

HST Fig. 8: A typical GR

Tidal flat progradation log of Cabo Blanco
Fining-upward represents Member in an
shallowing pattern onshore well with the
sequence
stratigraphical
interpretation of
MFS fourth-order system
TST tracts.
Infratidal and intertidal deposition In this specific well
Fining-upward represents the upper fluvial
deepening pattern system is poorly
SB1+ST1 developed.

HST
Older Sequence
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb.
Fig.9: Lithofacies bioturbated shale with calcareous nodules.
These nodules are probably the only indication of soil
existence, according to Van Wagoner et al. (1990).
minimum: 0.01 mD; average is 11.91 mD); about 65% of the
porosity is between 10% and 15% (maximum value found:
16.5%; minimum 2%; average of 12.5%).
Infra-tidal Sandstones/siltstones Lithofacies
The deposits are predominantly fine- to very fine-
grained sandstones, and subordinate siltstones. In general,
the degree of bioturbation is moderate to very high,
between 4 and 6, according to the scheme presented by
Taylor & Goldring (1993). The ichnofabric interpreted is
Skolithos or Cruziana (less frequent).
Two distinct positions can be identified in this
sub-environment. The first one is more proximal with
moderate bioturbation, still preserving the primary
sedimentary structures as climbing ripples (Figure 12). The
second one is more distal, with a high degree of substrate
disruption by bioturbation (Figure 13). This latter facies
shows no primary depositional structures, such as the
expected hummocky cross-stratification, suggesting that
any storm event was not able to avoid the subsequent
bioturbation (as pointed by Howell et al. 1996) because
the deposition was taking place below the storm level
influence.
73
Fig. 10: Lithofacies bioturbated shale with calcareous nodules.
Some intervals present a brown-reddish aspect suggesting
exposition.
For the distal infra-tidal facies, petrophysical data
indicate that 60% of the horizontal permeability values are
between 0.01 mD and 0.1 mD (maximum value found: 28
mD, minimum: 0.001 mD; average is 0.689 mD); about 72%
of the porosity is between 5% and 15% (maximum value
found: 16.2%; minimum 4%, average of 9.6%). For the
proximal infra-tidal facies, 40% of the horizontal permeability
values are between 1 mD and 10 mD (maximum value found:
28 mD, minimum: 0.05 mD, average of 6.30 mD); about 65%
of the porosity is between 10% and 15% (maximum value
found: 16.7%; minimum 9.2%, average of 13.6%).
Fluvial Lithofacies
In subsurface, the fluvial deposits are located in
the uppermost interval of the Cabo Blanco
lithostratigraphical unit. The deposits are conglomerates
or sandy conglomerates, clast supported (clasts up to 8
cm size), apparently structureless (Figure 14), typical of
bed load transport and deposition. Coarse-grained, cross
stratified sandstones, may represent lateral facies variation
of the main axial deposit. Evidences of subaerial exposition
were also found close to the conglomerates, indicating the
possible occurrence of episodes of sediment by pass.
Wood material was identified and is related to the flooding
plain of the fluvial system (Figure 15).
The petrophysical data indicate, for the coarse-
grained sandstone facies, very good horizontal permeability
(39.96 mD, 97.80 mD, 126.88 mD, 114.42 mD), although with
74 J. A. Daudt, et al.

RS

p
Nea
g n
Spri
p
Nea

g n
Spri
p
Nea

Fig. 13: Lithofacies bioturbated shale of infra-tidal. In this

Fig. 11: Stratified sandstones with mud-drape cross
stratification. The mud-drapes are very important to
define the tidal influence in these deposits. Observe that
the angle of the stratification steepens upward
suggesting a sigmoidal clinoform. It is also possible to
identify small cycles of spring (thicker sand layers) and
neap periods (thinner sand layers) and a probable
reactivation surface (RS).
Fig. 12: Lithofacies bioturbated shale of infra-tidal. In
this case, the bioturbation partially destroyed the
primary stratification, suggesting a proximal infra-tidal
sub-environment. Observe that there are many traction
structures (climbing ripples) still preserved.
case, the bioturbation totally destroyed the primary
stratification, suggesting a distal infra-tidal sub-environment.
The most common bioturbation is of dwelling type
(Ophiomorpha mainly).
a high anisotropy in different directions (one direction is
up to three times greater than its 90° direction). This is an
indication of a great heterogeneity, typical of a high
energetic unidirectional sub-environment as the fluvial
system. About 80% of the porosity values are in the range
between 10% and 15% (maximum value found: 14%,
minimum value: 8%; average is 12%). No petrophysical
data is available in the conglomeratic facies.
A summary of the petrophysical data is presented
in Figure 16. The main reservoir facies, in the estuarine
interval, are represented by the inter-tidal and proximal
infra-tidal sub-environments. Low values for inter-tidal
sandstones are related to cemented zones, affecting the
reservoir quality. It is clear that the bioturbation, associated
with the finer sediment character, is a very important factor
in reducing the permeability of the supra-tidal and distal
infra-tidal reservoirs. High porosity-permeability values for
the upper fluvial sandstones are representing the best
quality reservoir in the studied section. The conglomerates,
unfortunately, were not analysed and are likely to result
even better permeability when sampled in the non-cemented
intervals.
TECTONIC AND STRATIGRAPHY
The deposition of the Cabo Blanco Member was
controlled by a combination of sea-level drop and
distentional tectonic activity. These events are summarized
in the Figures 17 and 18.
The initial phase of deposition began by a sea
level drop which exposed the equivalent plataform,
generating the first fourth-order sequence boundary (SB1)
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb. 75

Fig. 14: Fluvial facies in subsurface. The deposits are clast supported and no stratification is observed (massive aspect)

Fig. 15: Presence of wood material in the shale which are overlying the fluvially dominated conglomerate.

1000.0000
100.0000
Supra
10.0000
Inter
1.0000
InfraProx
0.1000
InfraDistal
0.0100
0.0010 SandFluvial
0.0001
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0

Fig. 16: Sumary of the pethophysical data indicating that the best reservoir facies,in the estuarine interval, are the inter-tidal and
proximal infra-tidal intervals. The upper fluvial sand facies has also very good reservoir characteristics. Anomalous low values
of inter-tidal reservoirs are related to cemented samples (see reference in the text). X: Porosity in %; Y: Permeability in mD.
76
in the Lower Eocene (Ypresian). At present, this area
corresponds to what is identified as onshore area,
approximately the whole studied area of Block X.
During this initial phase, fluvial incision occurred
with very little deposition in this area. The fluvial system
by passed the proximal area, thickenning downcurrent due
to the strong tectonic influence that allowed the
development of sets of normal faults. These normal faults
were northwest dipping, acting as growth faults, which
increased the accommodation space toward this direction.
After this “lowstand wedge phase”, the sea level
rose during the subsequent transgression, making possible
the deposition of estuarine facies in the proximal area,
through the filling of previous channels cut during the
first phase. In the present onshore position, as a
consequence, the sequence boundary interpreted at the
base of the Cabo Blanco Member is coincident with the
transgressive surface. The estuarine facies are composed
of parasequences which are individually progradational,
although arranged in a retrograding stacking pattern.
During the transgressive system tract, each of the high
frequency flooding surface is at the base of an infra-tidal
shale (Figure 8) deposited over an inter-tidal interval. The
top of the transgressive is characterized by the deposition
of the maximum flooding surface, represented by a very
dark offshore shale identified in cores. Highstand system
tract follows the transgression, allowing the progradation
of the proximal, supra-tidal deposits as a response of the
high accommodation space and the sediment supply.
Differently from the transgressive time, in this interval the
flooding surfaces are interpreted at the base of the inter-
tidal facies, which are deposited over the supra-tidal
deposits. This situation generates a fining upward stacking
pattern which represents a shallowing and more
continentalized environment (a typical “tidal
parasequence” of Van Wagoner et al., 1990, page 11).
The uppermost fluvial incision recognized in the
cores (Figure 14) and also in the outcrops, represents
another shift of facies or a new fourth-order sequence
boundary (SB2). This event is likely to be tectonic-driven
as there is some indication of angular unconformity
between these last fluvial deposits and the previous tidally-
influenced deposits. What is more, the sand gross
distribution for this sequence follows the same pattern of
the tidally-influenced sequence (Figure 19), without any
significant difference or compensation between them, as it
would be expected if only the sea level variation had
influenced the fluvial deposition.
According to the regional study, the normal
faults, which have controlled the deposition of the first
fluvial unit, could have been reactivated as inverse faults
during the Lutetian in response to a regional compressional
event (starting in the Inca I deformational phase, defined
by Steinmann, 1929). This hypothesis is suggested by the
integration of the outcrop information, where clear
evidences of inverse faulting were found, and the
subsurface data using wells close to the studied area
(Figure 20), where up to four repeated sections are
J. A. Daudt, et al.
recognized. For these reasons these deposits are
outcropping in the El Ñuro-Cabo Blanco area as response
to this tectonic inversion.
IMPLICATIONS FOR RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT
The incised valley sequences described here are
composed of backstepping units of tidally-influenced
deposits (similar to the situation described by Flint et al.,
1997; Sullivan et al., 2003; Van Wagoner et al., 1990, page
31), which have more than one valley-fill event. The precise
definition and characterization of the lithofacies are crucial
in order to make predictions in secondary recovery and
workovers projects. These lithofacies represent
architectural elements, each of them with a specific range
of porosity and permeability. Field-scale flooding surfaces,
as well as supra-tidal intervals, can represent effective
barriers to vertical flow. What is more, the detailed mapping
of the fluvial conglomeratic facies is very important to
avoid strong water fingering which can bring several
problems to a secondary recovery project. The integrated
model, instead of a 2D vertical facies interpretation, must
be a really 3D model in order to represent the lateral
variability of the best reservoir facies which is, in this case,
the inter-tidal mud-drapped cross stratified sandstones.
The model described in this paper is also
important for the generation of new opportunities related
to the use of the Cabo Blanco Member as a secondary
recovery target. According to the model, the reservoir in
the present offshore area is predominantly of fluvial
characteristics with better quality when compared to the
estuarine reservoir in subsurface. The repeated section is
supposed to be fluvial-prone, corresponding to the
lowstand system tract, situation that would result in very
successful waterflooding projects in the future. These
repeated sections are located in the western part of the
Block X, close to the present coast line. In subsurface, it is
possible to identify as much as four repeated Cabo Blanco
Members.
CONCLUSIONS
- The model presented here must be analysed
and fully integrated with the data from offshore
area, out of the boundaries of Block X,
objective of this study. Although this limitation,
technical meetings with geologists at Petro-
Tech Peruana (made by G. Pozo, W. Espiritu
and others from Petrobras Energía) has been
increasing the understanding of both areas in
order to plan mutual cooperation and, at the
same time, has been providing very useful
insights into this model.
- In the study area, the sediments provenance
to Cabo Blanco Member is likely to be from
east to west. This assumption does not mean
that similar chronocorrelatable systems might
not have been active laterally representing a
regional event of fluvial valley incision.
- Initial phase of deposition is represented by a
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb. 77

To present offshore Block X boundaries

W E
Final phase of drowning of the system due to a rapid
subsidence or rapid sea level rise.

Incised valleys

By-pass, no deposition in onshore area

Fluvial deposition, no tidal influence.

Deposits are similar to El Ñuro outcrop.

MFS
Estuarine facies deposition during
the TST.
TS
TS2
Shales: in distal position represent offshore
SB1 shales of HST. In proximal position represents
SB2 the supratidal progradation.

Fluvial System: beginning of Sequence 2

Shales of flooding.

Fig. 17: Simplified base-level curve showing the main events interpreted for Cabo Blanco Member.
SB: Sequence Boundary; TS: Transgressive Surface; MFS: Maximum Flooding Surface; TST: Transgressive System Tract;
HST: Highstand System Tract.

Present-day offshore area Present-day onshore area

(only electrical logs available) (only cores available)

SB2
SB 2
HST
MFS SB1+TS1
TS1
TST
LST

SB1

Lowstand Fluvial deposits

Lowstand Fluvial deposits

Transgresive estuarine facies

Highstand deposits Transgressive deposits

Fig. 18: Simplified cross section between the proximal area and the distal area during the time of deposition.
Normal growth faults allowed the thicken of the basal fluvial sequence in the present-day offshore area during the lowstand. In the
same time, very little deposition was taking place in the proximal area (by pass event). Afterwards, during the transgressive
phase, the estuarine facies were deposited in this proximal area, mainly inside the paleo-valleys cut during the first phase. New
fluvial incision takes place in the uppermost interval of the unit, probably due to some tectonic activity. According to the regional
tectonic analysis, the set of normal faults could have been reactivated as inverse fault during the Lutetian. This explain why the
fluvial sandstones of the phase 1 is presently outcropping in El Ñuro area.
78 J. A. Daudt, et al.

Block X Limit
(aprox. Present day coastline)
No data studied
in the offshore area

El Ñuro Outcrop

Fig.19: Sand-Gross distribution for the Cabo Blanco Member, unit upper fluvial, in the studied area. It is possible to identify the
main pathways for the sand deposition. Observe that there is very little compensational deposition when compared with the
previous estuarine units (see reference in the text). In the figure are also indicated the El Ñuro outcrop area and the present day
cost line. Darker colors represent thinner sandy deposits. Maximun countor curve: 40 feet.

fluvially-dominated sedimentary system which
is poorly represented in the studied area (Block
X). Estuarine facies represents the posterior
filling of the incised valleys generated in this
first phase. New fluvial incision takes place in
the uppermost interval of the Cabo Blanco
Member and it is likely to be tectonically
controlled rather than eustatic controlled.
- In the estuarine subsurface facies, the
sedimentary structures, in general, show
tractive parental behaviour as it can be seen in
the sigmoidal, tangential and mud-draped
cross-stratification. This represent normal flow
regime and no evidence of upper flow regime
(parallel lamination and parting lamination) was
identified.
- The best reservoir facies recognized, in the
estuarine interval, was the inter-tidal stratified
sandstones. Very low values of permeability
for this interval are related to cemented
sandstones (3 samples).
- Supra-tidal intervals (shales and/or very fine
grained sandstones/siltstones) are the poorest
reservoir facies, with very low values of porosity
and permeability due to the high clay content
and variable bioturbation.
- Proximal infra-tidal intervals have relative good
reservoir quality possibly due to the little higher
energetic conditions, which caused a reduction
in the bioturbation rate, when comparing to the
distal infra-tidal interval. This distal infra-tidal
interval shows a more disperse porosity range
in a relative short permeability range (see Figure
16), with some exceptions.
- The upper fluvial sandstones, one of the best
reservoir facies, are quite anisotropic in terms
of permeability distribution, presenting
significative differences between the
permeability in one direction and in a 90°
direction. This is likely to reflect the sedimentary
environment itself, which is unidirectional and
of high energy in a fluvial river.
Sea-level changes and tectonic influence in the deposition of the Cabo Blanco Mb. 79

- The concepts of sequence stratigraphy, REFERENCES

originally applied to Atlantic type margins, were
very useful in this analysis in order to better
understand the stratigraphic complexity. The
use of these concepts to any other kind of
tectonic setting is a currently proceeding these
days and the combination of this paradigm with
a detailed sedimentological analysis makes
stronger any geological model.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Petrobras
Energía Perú S.A. for giving permission to publish this
work. A very special thanks is due to all the colleagues in
our office in Lima as many insights were important to the
development of the model presented here. Carlos Arregui
(Petrobras Energía/Neuquén), Ruben Winter (Petrobras
S.A./Brasil) and Etienne Jaillard were very helpful in their
critical and constructive comments, which have improved
the quality of this paper.
DOTT R.H. (1983).- Episodic Sedimentation – How normal
is average? How rare is rare? Does it matter? Journal of
Sedimentary Petrology, 53, n° 1, 5-23.
FLINT S., HOWELL J. & KNIGHT S. (1997).- Incised
valleys in the Brent Group of Northwest Hutton Field, UK
North Sea: fill characteristics, geometries and comparasion
with outcrop analogues from the Book Cliffs, Utah.
GCSSEPM Foundation 18 th Annual Research
Conference, Shallow marine and nonmarine reservoirs,
107-116.
HOWELL J.A., FLINT S.S. & HUNT C. (1996).-
Sedimentological aspects of the Humber Group (Upper
Jurassic) of the South Central Graben, UK North Sea.
Sedimentology, 43, 89-114.
PALOMINO J.R. & CAROZZI A.V. (1979).-
Sedimentology and electrical log interpretation of the Cabo

Echinocyamus Fm.

Fm.
s
amu
y
inoc
h
Ec

Echinocyamus Fm.

Ostrea Fm

Mogollón Fm

W E
Fig. 20: Structural cross section (A-A´) showing the configuration
of the main inversed faults interpreted. These inverse fault systems made possible the outcropping of Cabo Blanco Member.
See location of the section in figure 7.
 80
Blanco sandstone (Lower Eocene), Talara Basin,
Northwest Peru. Arch. Sc. Genéve, vol. 32, 127-149.
POZO G. (2002).- Bioestratigrafía de alta resolución y su
aplicación en la identificación de secuencias de tercer
orden, Lote X - Cuenca Talara - NO Perú. XI Congreso
Peruano de Geología, Lima, Perú.
STEINMANN G. (1929).- Geología del Perú. Carl Winters
Universitatsbuchhandlung, 448p.
SULLIVAN M.D., SULLIVAN R. & WATERS J. (2003).-
Reservoir Characterization and sequence stratigraphy of
the Domengine Formation, Black Diamond Mines Regional
J. A. Daudt, et al.
Preserve, Northern California. Domengine Field Trip
Guidebook – Book 94. SEPM Pacific Section, 52p.
TAYLOR A.M. & GOLDRING R. (1993).- Description and
analysis of bioturbation and ichnofabric. Journal of the
Geological Society of London, 150, 141-148.
VAN WAGONER J.C., MITCHUM R.M., CAMPION K.M.
& RAHMANIAN V.D. (1990).- Siliciclastic Sequence
Stratigraphy in well logs, cores, and outcrops. AAPG
Methods in Exploration Series n° 7, 55p.
VISSER M.J. (1992).- Neap-spring cycles reflected in
Holocene subtidal large-scale bedform deposits: a
preliminary note. Geology, v.8, 543-546.