Itajaí-Açu Formation

Itajaí-Açu Formation
Stratigraphic range: Cenomanian-Maastrichtian
~100–66 Ma
Type Geological formation
Unit of Frade Group
Underlies Marambaia Formation
Overlies Itanhaém Formation
Thickness up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft)
Lithology
Primary Shale
Other Sandstone
Location
Coordinates 26°6′S 43°43′W / 26.100°S 43.717°W / -26.100; -43.717Coordinates: 26°6′S 43°43′W / 26.100°S 43.717°W / -26.100; -43.717
Region Santos Basin, South Atlantic
Country  Brazil
Type section
Named for Itajaí-Açu River

Location of the Santos Basin

The Itajaí-Açu Formation (Portuguese: Formacão Itajaí-Açu) is a geological formation of the Santos Basin offshore of the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina. The predominantly shale with interbedded turbiditic sandstones formation dates to the Late Cretaceous period; Cenomanian-Maastrichtian epochs and has a maximum thickness of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). The formation is a reservoir rock of the fields in the Santos Basin.

Etymology

The formation is named after the Itajaí-Açu River, Santa Catarina.

Description

The Itajaí-Açu Formation consist mainly of turbidites, formed at the base of the Brazilian marginal continental slopes. The sands of this formation, called Ilhabela Member, host vast amounts of oil in the Santos Basin.

The Itajaí-Açu Formation is 1,545 to 2,000 metres (5,069 to 6,562 ft) thick,[1] and comprises a thick interval of dark grey clayey rocks, interbedded with the clastics of the Santos and Juréia Formations. Within this formation, the Ilhabela Member includes the turbiditic sandstones occurring along the section. The sedimentary environment is thought to be marine talus to open basin. Biostratigraphic data from palynomorphs, calcareous nanofossils and planktonic foraminifera indicate a Late Cretaceous age (Cenomanian-Maastrichtian).[2]

Petroleum geology

The formation, mainly its Ilhabela Member, is the main post-salt reservoir rock of the Santos Basin.[3][4] The formation also is the main post-salt source rock and a seal for the post-salt reservoirs.[5]

Fields with Itajaí-Açu reservoirs

Field Year Operator Reserves (in place)
Notes
Panoramix2009Repsol176 MMbbl (28.0×10^6 m3)
Piracucá2009Petrobras321.4 MMbbl (51.10×10^6 m3)
Cedro2005Petrobras95.76 MMbbl (15.225×10^6 m3)
Lagosta2003El Paso Corp.0.173×10^12 cu ft (4.9×10^9 m3)
Uruguá2003Petrobras174.27 MMbbl (27.707×10^6 m3)
1×10^12 cu ft (28×10^9 m3)
Carapiá2002Petrobras63.52 MMbbl (10.099×10^6 m3)
Mexilhão2001Petrobras532.23 MMbbl (84.618×10^6 m3)
3.4×10^12 cu ft (96×10^9 m3)
Tambuatá1999Petrobras212.8 MMbbl (33.83×10^6 m3)

See also

References

  1. Kiang Chang et al., 2008, p.32
  2. Clemente, 2013, p.23
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Santos Basin Fields
  4. Juarez, 2013, p.7
  5. Contreras, 2011, p.77
  6. Piracucá Field
  7. Petrobras BS-400 gas find confirms E&P expansion plans
  8. 1 2 3 Vieira, 2007, p.9
  9. 1 2 Juarez, 2013, p.14
  10. Vieira, 2007, p.8

Bibliography

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