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IS THERE A CHICONTEPEC PALLEOCANYON IN THE PALEOGENE OF EASTERN MAXICO?
Author(s) -
Chapa A. cantú
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of petroleum geology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1747-5457
pISSN - 0141-6421
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-5457.1985.tb00282.x
Subject(s) - paleogene , geology , chronostratigraphy , paleontology , sedimentation , hiatus , foraminifera , range (aeronautics) , biostratigraphy , ecological succession , sediment , sedimentary rock , cretaceous , oceanography , ecology , materials science , composite material , biology , benthic zone
The Author studied the sediments in the so‐called Chicontepec paleocanyon of eastern Maxico. With the simultaneous use of planktonic forminifera and electric logs, it was possible to separate the Maastrichtian from the Paleogene, and to subdivide the Paleogene on the basis of paleontologic zones into Paleocene and Lower Eocene. Detailed stratigraphic study made it possible to establish the geographic distribution of the so‐called paleocanyon. The paleocanyon sensu stricto is present only SE of the Poza Rica field. Here, is it present in a plunging synform, in which it has the shape and form of a delta, now at a depth of between 1,800 and 3,600 m below sea‐level. The erosion which formed the paleocanyon cuts beds that range in age from late Tithonian to Maastrichtian; Paleocene is omnipresent. Hence, the erosion that formed the paleocanyon was pre‐Paleocene. Many of the stratigraphic criteria which led to the postulation of the paleocanyon are incorrect and are herein revised. Chronostratigraphy, based on the classic succession of foraminiferal zones, correctly applied together with structural‐contour maps selected zones, makes it possible to explain the hydrocarbon distribution. The high rate of sedimentation during Paleocene and Early Eocene time within the study area is compared with other regions of the world