Tectonic Analysis Ltd. Reports on Colombia

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GO TO REPORTS:  Hydrocarbon Habitat,  Hydrocarbon Geochemistry,  Cretaceous Biostratigraphy

The Colombian Hydrocarbon Habitat:
Integrated Sedimentology, Geochemistry, Paleogeographic Evolution, Geodynamics, Petroleum Geology, and Basin Analysis


This report was created in collaboration with ECOPETROL in 1998, allowing us access to enormous amounts of primary data from all of Colombia which was then synthesized with key data from adjacent regions of Venezuela and Ecuador. Data sources/syntheses include:
  • Approximately 5,500 km of "strategically chosen" seismic data
  • Sedimentological and thin section examinations of multiple cores
  • 31 well logs representative of most of the Colombian basins
  • Detailed analysis of petroleum geochemistry and occurrence by basin
  • Compilations of source rock maturation data by basin
  • Integrated modelling of seismicity, GPS, topographic, gravimetric data
  • Forward modelling of a balanced cross-section, northern Cordillera Oriental
  • Plate tectonic setting and analysis of important processes in Andean orogenesis
  • Palinspastic restorations of paleotectonic setting for 5 stages over time
  • Paleogeographic evolutionary synthesis as depicted on 21 colour plates
  • Literature compilation of a paleogeographic database of >5,000 points
  • Formation tops and associated information from 150 wells

Our understanding of hydrocarbon systems and potential in the area is driven by a highly detailed analysis of paleogeographic evolution. This uniquely integrated regional exploration evaluation comprises a detailed review of the geology, tectonics and structure of Colombia, together with portfolios of seismic data (interpreted and uninterpreted), well-logs, petrographic core studies of key reservoirs (Example) and hydrocarbon geochemistry (see also below).

This report provided the source material for our Exploration Framework Atlas, Vol. 1, Colombia, but contains an enormous amount of additional material. The regional nature of this study makes it a vital tool for frontier evaluation, play generation, farm-out evaluation, building of new concepts, proper recognition of geological history within blocks, extension of plays into new areas.

The report is presented (paper and CD) as one volume of text (7 chapters, 4 appendices), one portfolio of 109 plates (paleogeographies, core-logging, isopachs, databases) and an extensive collection of interpreted and uninterpreted seismic. All files on CD-ROM are supplied in industry standard formats (PDF, Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, LAS, tiff).

Click here for a summary listing of the report contents, including all supplementary material or

Download the report brochure (PDF) for a complete listing

COST: Please contact us for more information on the report and additional seismic portfolios

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Hydrocarbon Geochemistry of Colombian Basins


This extensive and comprehensive examination and reinterpretation of Colombian geochemical data represents the state-of-the-art. All basins except Middle and Upper Magdalena are included, as the geochemical systems of these 2 basins are quite well known and addressed in other studies. This report was produced by the careful integration, synthesis and systematisation of the majority of Ecopetrol's in-house reports and files on geochemistry. In addition we include additional introductory and summary material including outlines of proven and conjectured hydrocarbon systems.

The report is based on Chapter 6 of our Hydrocarbon Habitat Report and comprises a total of 86,000 words of text, 22 tables and 69 figures. It is extensively illustrated (Example Figures) with chromatograms, correlation diagrams and maps/cross-sections of key areas. All the data presented is also supplied in spreadsheet format (Example Table) for integration with your own databases.

A full table of contents and listing of all figures and data tables is available in the Hydrocarbon Geochemistry of Colombian Basins Brochure, together with example maps, charts and figures (PDF).

The report comes on paper and CD-ROM, with extensive additional material, including databases in industry standard formats (PDF, Excel, Lotus 1-2-3).

COST: Please contact us for more information, including special pricing when bundled with our Colombia Exploration Framework Atlas or additional components of our Hydrocarbon Habitat Report

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Cretaceous Biostratigraphy of Northern South America


The macro- and micro-fossil biostratigraphy of northern South America is defined at a level of detail not before achieved, based on newly discovered and classic stratigraphic sections of the Cretaceous of Colombia and Venezuela. Stratigraphic sections for this report are located in the Upper Magdalena Valley and the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, and the Eastern Venezuelan and Mérida Ranges of Venezuela. The Colombian sections are probably the best field sections available in northern South America for assessing the Cretaceous and, because fauna of this age show little geographic variation, are also key to understanding similar sections in Peru, Ecuador and Trinidad. The previously untouched Olini section is discussed in particular detail and can be considered a reference section for similar studies elsewhere. This is the first assessment in the public realm to integrate successfully the macro and micro biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous of northern South America and to tie them to the global ammonite timescale.

The Albian to Santonian portion of the Cretaceous was divided into 22 ammonite zones and 21 bivalve biozones, making the zonation presented in the report 280% more refined than previous biozonation schemes.

The macrobiostratigraphy is based on the study of more than 1500 specimens belonging to 206 species of the Albian-Santonian portion of the Villeta Group and equivalents, divided into into 21 bivalve and 22 ammonite biozones, averaging ~1 Ma/biozone. Comparison with the US Western Interior Basin allowed Ar40-Ar39 dates to be extrapolated to Colombia. This is the first time an approach like this one is taken for Colombian biostratigraphy and provides a framework for accurately and consistently calculating rock accumulation rates and tectonic subsidence curves.

The micro-fossil biostratigraphy portion of the report comprises a new comprehensive biozonation of planktic foraminifers and radiolaria for the Cretaceous. Microfossil samples were collected from the same stratigraphic sections as the macrofossil samples and are therefore perfectly tied to the latter.

Both the macro and the micro-fossil assemblages are diagrammed in the report as formal plates (high-quality photographs and SEM photo-micrographs) in such a way as to give purchasers the ability to conduct their own biostratigraphic dating of additional sections or drill core in the future.

This report comprises 2 detailed chapters and 3 appendices. All fossils discussed or used in the report are illustrated.

Click here for the report contents

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Tectonic Analysis Ltd. Chestnut House, Burton Park, Duncton, West Sussex, GU28 0LH, England
Director: Dr. James Pindell Phone/Fax: 44-1798-343517