Early Cretaceous Conomita outcrop: structural analysis of syn-sedimentary gravity-driven deformations (NE Venezuela)


An updated analysis of Conomita Fold outcrop (Barranquin Fm.) was performed using an image of a field-trip guide-book organized by PDVSA in 1993: Excursion al Frente de Montaña, Venezuela Oriental (Stop # 5). “Remote” structural analysis carried-out along this outcrop reveals the existence of several deformation episodes related to gravity-driven processes. Conomita fold appears to be a slump feature generated in a deltaic setting. Early Cretaceous rocks were strongly tilted during the Miocene-Recent tectonics phase contemporaneously to El Pilar right-lateral strike-slip fault.
- An updated analysis of Conomita Fold outcrop (Barranquin Fm.) was performed using an image of field-trip guide-book organized by PDVSA in 1993: Excursion al Frente de Montaña, Venezuela Oriental (Stop # 5).
- “Remote”structural analysis carried-out along this outcrop reveals the existence of several deformation episodes related to gravity-driven processes. Conomita fold appears to be a slump feature generated in a deltaic setting.
- Early Cretaceous rocks were strongly tilted during Miocene-Recent tectonics phase contemporaneously to El Pilar right-lateral strike slip fault.
- Amore exhaustive structural analysis should take into account the original thicknesses of para-sequences described throughout the outcrop. A valid restoration study needs to consider the original thicknesses prior to compaction because “soft” deformations occurred during early stage of Barranquin Formation sedimentation.
- This outcrop could be used eventually as an analog structure for hydrocarbon reservoirs and fault-seal analysis exercise.
- Conomita slump was previously described in: Cabrera, E., Campos, V., Chigne, N.,Hernandez, Fr. Galea, O. Macsotay and V.Vivas, 1988 Excursión al Frente de Montaña, Venezuela oriental, III Simposio Bolivariano de Cuencas Subandinas,Caracas,51 pp.