Oil and Gas Exploration in Cuba : Geological-Structural Cartography using Potential Fields and Airborne Gamma Spectrometry

A summary of the results achieved in the geological-structural mapping, by potential fields and airborne gamma spectrometry data, of the units of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the western regions (Havana-Matanzas), central (Cienfuegos, Villa Clara-Sancti Spiritus) and central-eastern (Camagüey-Las Tunas-Holguín) of Cuba is presented. In addition, the structural- tectonic regionalization with hydrocarbon exploration purposes, focusing mapping of possible new oil-gas targets in the regions of Land Blocks 9, 23 and 17-18 are detailed in this volume. In certain case study locations (Majaguillar, North Motembo, Guamutas and Maniabón) reconnaissance work by a profile of **__Redox Complex__** (complex of unconventional geophysical-geochemical exploration techniques) was performed with positive results. In an attempt to contribute to the geological-structural mapping of the metamorphic massif Isla de la Juventud, with emphasis on acid magmatism, the gravi-magnetometric data is used. According to the results, the presumed post metamorphic granitic bodies of low density are located, mainly, in the central and southwestern part of the massif. The granitic bodies apparently were introduced through the system of longitudinal faults (syn metamorphic) and transverse (post metamorphic) at the end of the process multyfolding and metamorphism of the massif sequences, taking a leading role the deep longitudinal fracture zones of sublatitudinal direction in the central and southern part of the massif. On the map of the magnetic field vertical derivative the anomalies, basically, reflected the direction and limits of the folded tectonic structure, the development area of ​​ volcanogenic rocks, the presumed development zones of migmatitic rocks and tectonised rocks in North and center of the massif, respectively, and the prevailing direction of the main tectonic dislocations. Foreword 6 Preface 8 Acknowledgements 10 Contents 11 Abbreviations 13 1 The State of Art 15 Abstract 15 1.1 Introduction 15 1.2 Synthesis of Potential Fields and Airborne Gamma Spectrometry 16 1.3 Synthesis of Geological-Geophysical-Geochemical Aspects 18 1.4 Conclusions 19 2 Overview of the Geology of Cuba 22 Abstract 22 2.1 Introduction 23 2.2 The Cuban Orogenic Belt 23 2.2.1 Proterozoic Basement and Jurassic Granites 24 2.2.2 Mesozoic Basement 25 2.2.2.1 North American Mesozoic Paleomargin 25 2.2.2.2 Mesozoic Ophiolite Association (Northern Ophiolite Belt-NOB) 28 2.2.2.3 Cretaceous Volcanic Arc Terrain (KVAT) 30 2.2.2.4 Southern Metamorphic Terrains 35 2.2.3 Paleogene Folded and Faulted Belt 37 2.2.3.1 Foreland Basin 38 2.2.3.2 Piggyback Basins 41 2.2.3.3 Synorogenic Basins and Oil–Gas Potential in Cuba 42 2.2.4 Eocene-Quaternary Cover 43 2.3 Conclusions 48 References 48 3 Tectonic-Structural Regionalization with Purposes of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Mapping of New Potential Oil–Gas Goals 52 Abstract 52 3.1 Introduction 52 3.2 Materials and Methods 53 3.2.1 Materials 53 3.2.2 Methods and Techniques 53 3.3 Results 55 3.3.1 Region of Block 9 55 3.3.2 Region of Block 23 65 3.3.3 Region of Blocks 17–18 68 3.4 Conclusions 75 References 75 4 Geological-Structural Mapping of Weathered Igneous and Metamorphic Rock Units 77 Abstract 77 4.1 Introduction 77 4.2 Materials and Methods 78 4.2.1 Materials 78 4.2.2 Methods and Techniques 78 4.3 Results 80 4.3.1 Central Region 80 4.3.2 Camagüey-Las Tunas-Holguín Region 83 4.3.3 Habana-Matanzas Region 85 4.4 Conclusions 88 References 88 Front Matter....Pages i-xiv The State of Art....Pages 1-7 Overview of the Geology of Cuba....Pages 9-38 Tectonic-Structural Regionalization with Purposes of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Mapping of New Potential Oil–Gas Goals....Pages 39-63 Geological-Structural Mapping of Weathered Igneous and Metamorphic Rock Units....Pages 65-76