The Neuquén Super Basin

Integrated source rock evaluation along the maturation gradient. Application to the Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin of Argentina

“…Simulations and DFIT data indicate that the unit is an overpressured system at different basin positions. Previous studies proposed that the transformation of kerogen into oil and gas represents the main mechanism for overpressure generation in the VMFm (Badessich et al., 2016; Cobbold et al., 2013; Rocha et al., 2018; Rodrigues et al., 2009; Veiga et al., 2020; Zanella et al., 2015). The volume expansion associated with hydrocarbon generation has been implicated as a cause of overpressure in different sedimentary basins (Osborne & Swarbrick, 1997; Swarbrick et al., 2002).…”

“…Based on organic geochemistry and petrological studies, the VMFm exhibits mainly amorphous (liptinitic macerals) type II kerogen with TOC content between 3% and 8% (peak values of 12%–20%) suitable for producing oil or gas condensate, depending on position in the basin (Brisson et al., 2020; Karg & Littke, 2020; Legarreta & Villar, 2011; Sylwan, 2014). The hydrocarbon yield expressed as original hydrogen index (HI 0 ) averages 680 mg HC /g TOC based on the analysis of immature samples (Brisson et al., 2020; Veiga et al., 2020). This is representative of the organic‐rich intervals (30–450 m thick) considered to be the unconventional targets of the unit (Dominguez et al., 2016).…”

“…The Meso–Cenozoic Neuquén Basin in northern Patagonia is one of the most important hydrocarbon basins in South America (Legarreta et al., 2008; Uliana & Legarreta, 1993; Urien & Zambrano, 1994; Veiga et al., 2020) and, in recent years, it has become well known for its unconventional oil and gas resources (e.g. Badessich et al., 2016; Legarreta & Villar, 2011; Sagasti et al., 2014).…”

“…The basin has three marine organic-rich source rocks known as the Los Molles, Vaca Muerta and Agrio formations (Fms). In particular, the Vaca Muerta Fm (Tithonian-lower Valanginian) constitutes a world-class source rock and an unconventional shale resource for both oil and gas (Brisson et al, 2020;Legarreta & Uliana, 1991;Legarreta et al, 2008;Veiga et al, 2020). In recent years, a great number of sedimentological, palaeontological, geochemical and stratigraphic works have been to the base and towards the west region related to the original organic carbon content and maturity increasing along the same trend.…”

DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROUS CALCITE VEINS RELATED TO HYDROCARBON GENERATION AND OVERPRESSURING IN ORGANIC‐RICH SHALE SOURCE ROCKS: THE VACA MUERTA FORMATION, NEUQUÉN BASIN, ARGENTINA

“…The Vaca Muerta Formation is known to contain high overpressures at the basin scale (Badessich et al, 2016;Domínguez et al, 2016;Rocha et al, 2018;Veiga et al, 2020;Spacapan et al, 2021). The results of modelling present-day pore pressures in the formation along the 2D profile suggest that overpressures vary according to depth and basin location (Fig.…”