Article
Geography, Physical
Leticia Rodriguez Blanco, Peter K. Swart, Gregor P. Eberli, Ralf J. Weger
Summary: The study investigates the carbon isotopic compositions of carbonate sediments in the Neuquen Basin, Argentina, and compares them with pelagic strata in the Tethys. The results show that the overall trend of the carbon isotopes in the basin is increasing and is closely related to TOC content and sea-level changes. The study also finds that clastic-dominated transgressive hemicycles have higher TOC content and more negative carbon isotopes, while carbonate-rich regressive hemicycles have the opposite characteristics.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Philippine Rutman, Guilhem Hoareau, Jean-Michel Kluska, Alain Lejay, Claire Fialips, Francois Gelin, Charles Aubourg, Eider Hernandez Bilbao
Summary: Vaca Muerta is a marine source rock with great petroleum potential, containing natural fractures filled with fibrous calcite, concretions, and ash beds. An exhaustive diagenetic study of the ash beds was conducted, revealing two facies with complex alterations, both displaying a well-marked calc-alkaline magmatic signature. The clay-rich ash beds are characterized by illite/smectite assemblage, while the calcite-cemented ones consist of argillitized glass shards and pumice fragments cemented by calcite.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jorge Andres Donadelli, Antonela Canneva, Yamila Garro Linck, Gerardo Martinez Delfa, Georgina Erra, Manuel Velasco, Maria B. Franzoni, Emilia Silletta, Rodolfo H. Acosta, Alejandra Calvo
Summary: The study focused on the molecular characteristics of organic matter in the Vaca Muerta Formation, providing novel insights for the understanding and modeling of kerogens in this shale play. The results can support and enhance the classification of kerogens based on their molecular structures.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
J. B. Spacapan, M. Comerio, I. Brisson, E. Rocha, M. Cipollone, J. C. Hidalgo
Summary: The Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquen Basin is a significant source of unconventional shale resource with high organic carbon content and varying organic porosity at different locations and maturity stages, impacted by tectonic events and hydrocarbon generation timing.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Maria del Rosario Lanz, Karem Azmy, Nora N. Cesaretti, Natalia B. Fortunatti
Summary: The Tithonian Vaca Muerta Formation in the Pampa de Tril area is a potential unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir in western Argentina, with petrographic examinations revealing four generations of calcite. The diagenetic history of the formation indicates deposition in tropical warm shallow-water settings, with different calcite generations showing varying characteristics related to hydrocarbon fluid inclusions and deep burial conditions.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
A. Malachowska, G. P. Lis, M. Mastalerz, F. Goodarzi, H. Sanei
Summary: The 137-m continuous core from the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous marine derived oil shale in the Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquen Basin, Argentina, showed three distinct intervals with different oxygen levels influencing the preservation and transformation of organic matter, indicating that lower oxygen levels contribute to higher organic matter content and hydrocarbon generation potential.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jorge Andres Donadelli, Juan Pineda, Marcos Comerio, Clara Smal, Georgina Erra, Rodolfo Hector Acosta, Gerardo Martinez Delfa
Summary: This study compared the molecular structural changes of kerogens during natural and artificial thermal maturation by studying kerogen samples with varying levels of thermal maturity from the Vaca Muerta Formation. The results showed that heating in an anhydrous closed system accurately reproduced most of the molecular structural changes observed in natural thermal maturation, with some exceptions. Additionally, the study highlighted the variability of certain parameters in natural samples due to differences in deposition environments.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Geology
Eider Hernandez-Bilbao, J. Rick Sarg, Stephen A. Sonnenberg
Summary: This paper characterizes the pore types and distribution in the Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquen Basin, Argentina, important for unconventional reservoir characterization. Various factors affecting pore development, such as compaction, cementation, and organic matter migration, are discussed. Primary porosity destruction and secondary pore generation are common phenomena observed in the study.
DEPOSITIONAL RECORD
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peng-Yan Du, Jin-Gong Cai, Qing Liu, Xue-Jun Zhang, Juan Wang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of different occurrences of organic matter (OM) on hydrocarbon generation in mudstones. The results indicate that mineral-bound organic matter (MOM) is the most abundant form of OM and serves as the main hydrocarbon precursor in shallow formations. Soluble organic matter (SOM) contributes to hydrocarbon generation mainly at deep depths, while particulate organic matter (POM) shows consistent hydrocarbon contributions regardless of depth.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ignacio A. Capelli, Roberto A. Scasso, Fernanda Cravero, Diego A. Kietzmann, Dolores Vallejo, Thierry Adatte
Summary: The study of carbonatized tephras of the Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuque acute accent n Basin, Argentina, revealed the mineralogical and geochemical composition, diagenetic history, and clay mineral origin, providing insights into the sequence of diagenetic transformations and the formation of chlorite in the felsic/intermediate ash beds. The presence of sudoite in the studied sections was related to overpressure, deformation, and fracturing of rocks caused by the Chos Malal Fold and Thrust Belt, facilitating the circulation of hot waters and explaining the late diagenetic precipitation of sudoite.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhongwei Wang, Wangpeng Li, Jian Wang, Hengye Wei, Xiugen Fu, Chunyan Song, Wangzhong Zhan, Huafeng Sun
Summary: This study investigates the factors controlling organic matter accumulation in the Lower Permian Zhanjin Formation mudstones. The results show that detrital influx (adsorption of clay minerals) and hydrothermal activity have a significant influence on organic matter accumulation, while primary productivity levels and preservation conditions such as paleosalinity and redox conditions have a lesser impact.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiaomin Xie, Guangyou Zhu, Ye Wang
Summary: The study in Guizhou province, SW China showed that early Cambrian rocks were influenced differently by syngenetic hydrothermal silica fluids, with siliceous shales containing the highest organic carbon content and nutrient elements concentrations. Organisms were best preserved in chert, followed by siliceous shales and mudstones, indicating a good environment for preservation provided by hydrothermal silica fluids. Studies like this can provide insights for evaluating hydrocarbon generation potential in early Cambrian source rocks.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Martin, D. A. Marchal, S. P. Barredo, C. H. Naides
Summary: This study analyzes the fissility property in subsurface rocks using the DAD index, and examines its impact on the geomechanical behavior of the rocks through petrophysical and geomechanical laboratory tests. The study also presents a predictive model for reproducing the index using cluster analysis from well logs.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tongxu Zhao, Shang Xu, Fang Hao
Summary: This paper discusses the interactions between clay minerals and organic matter, specifically focusing on adsorption as a crucial mechanism for preserving organic matter in sedimentary environments. The composition of clay minerals found in sediments serves as an indicator of the climatic and lithological characteristics of the provenance area. The physical and chemical properties of clay minerals and organic matter significantly influence adsorption, with smectite showing a higher affinity for organic matter. The preservation of organic matter through clay mineral adsorption is influenced by various factors, including nutrient disparities and water column conditions. The paper also highlights future research directions, such as reconstructing clay mineral assemblages and exploring the practical applications of clay minerals in shale oil and gas exploration.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Kelly M. Guan, Cynthia M. Ross, Anthony R. Kovscek
Summary: The study utilized 2D and 3D imaging techniques to characterize immature shale samples before and after maturation in a pyrolysis cell. A series of electron microscopy and X-ray techniques were used to determine the mineralogical and structural properties of each shale sample, and successful maturation was confirmed using programmed pyrolysis. New crack development in organic matter-hosted regions and grain boundaries, as well as significant growth of pre-existing microcracks and defects, were observed after maturation.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tian Yang, Yingchang Cao, Keyu Liu, Jingchun Tian, Zavala Carlos, Yanzhong Wang
Article
Geology
Daniela E. Olivera, Marcelo A. Martinez, Carlos Zavala, Juan E. Di Nardo, German Otharan
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xing Tian, Yuan Gao, Zhiyang Li, Zavala Carlos, Zongyang Chen, Yongjian Huang, Enxiao Yu, Chengshan Wang
Summary: The study of lithofacies and mudstone deposition environment in the Songliao Basin in NE China reveals a depositional model influenced by muddy hyperpycnal flows and debris flows, providing new insights into lacustrine paleoenvironment and terrestrial paleoclimate.
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Geology
Jutta Winsemann, Joerg Lang, Juan J. Fedele, Carlos Zavala, David C. J. D. Hoyal
Summary: The characteristics of mouth bars in shallow-water deltas are closely related to the properties of jets and the size of supplied sediment particles, with pure and stratified jets influencing the height, geometry, and bedforms of the mouth bars. The experiments suggest that different types of jets can lead to the formation of mouth bars with specific features and depositional processes.
SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
German Otharan, Carlos Zavala, Juergen Schieber, Daniela Olivera, Marcelo Martinez, Pablo Diaz, Zalmai Yawar, Luis Aguero
Summary: This study provides insights into the sedimentary processes of mudstone and the preservation mechanisms of organic carbon-rich sediment in non-anoxic environments. The analysis of concretions from the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation reveals a complex and dynamic depositional scenario, with evidence of episodic sedimentation and bottom current reworking. Encapsulation of organic matter within mud composite particles plays a crucial role in the long-term storage of organic carbon.
SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amira Celeste Chalabe, Daniela Elizabeth Olivera, Marcelo Adrian Martinez, Carlos Zavala
Summary: The palynological analysis of samples from the Quebrada Alvarez section in the Neuquen Basin, Patagonia, Argentina, provides insight into the palaeoecological significance of palynofloras and their role in the evolution of Middle Jurassic ecosystems in the region. The results suggest the presence of a tide-modified delta front environment in the Lajas Formation, a relatively humid and warm climate during the deposition of the Challaco Formation, and the development of a lacustrine environment with fluctuating water levels in the Bosque Petrificado Formation. Lithofacies analysis indicates similar facies associations between the Challaco and Bosque Petrificado formations in the study locality.
Article
Geology
Maria C. Zamaloa, Elina Cornou, Marcelo Martinez, Mirta Quattrocchio, Daniela Olivera, Carlos Zavala, Marcos Asensio
Summary: This study describes the first record of a Miocene macroflora from the ??irihuau Formation sediments in Quebrada Vera, Patagonia, Argentina. The fossil assemblage consists mainly of Equisetum remains, along with four fern morphotypes. The large size and regular branching of the Equisetum stems suggest they represent a new fossil species. This finding is significant in the fields of biogeography and evolution, as it is the first conclusive record of a giant Equisetum worldwide.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ainara Irastorza, Carlos Zavala, Debora Mical Campetella, Martin Turienzo, Daniela Olivera, Florencia Peralta, Maite Irastorza, Paula Martz
Summary: Recent advances in the understanding of deltaic deposits have provided new tools for studying and analyzing deltaic deposits in shallow epicontinental seas. There is a renewed focus on the importance of wave-aided low-dense hyperpycnal flows in transporting fine-grained sediments in shallow shelfal areas. The development of hyperpycnal littoral deltas may have been facilitated by a decrease in sea water salinity related to increasing runoff.
JOURNAL OF PALAEOGEOGRAPHY-ENGLISH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Carlos Zavala, Mariano Arcuri, Mariano Di Meglio, Agustin Zorzano, German Otharan, Ainara Irastorza, Antonela Torresi
Summary: The paper argues that deltaic sedimentation is more complex than traditionally thought, with deltas potentially categorized into hypopycnal, homopycnal, and hyperpycnal types based on the interplay between flow density and basin salinity. The types of deltas vary depending on whether the incoming flow is lower, similar, or higher in density than the receiving water body, influencing the characteristics of deltaic deposits.
JOURNAL OF PALAEOGEOGRAPHY-ENGLISH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Carlos Zavala
JOURNAL OF PALAEOGEOGRAPHY-ENGLISH
(2020)