Regresar

Sedimentology and sedimentary geochemistry of El Paraíso Formation, Falcón basin, Venezuela

Abstract:

This paper focuses on the sedimentary environment and sedimentary geochemistry of El Paraíso Formation in Purureche section, Falcón state. This outcrop was studied and sampled every 50 cm for foraminifers analyses, petrography of sandstones, determination of major, minor and trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Ce, Cr, Cu, Fe, La, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sc, Si, Sr, Ti, V, Y, Zn, Zr), S and TOC. This unit is characterized by claystones, siltstones and sandstones and four coarsening-upward intervals were identified represented by thin-interbedded claystones and siltstones that ended with a sandstone of one to two meters thick (I and IV interval), or by claystones, thin-interbedding of claystones and sandstones ending with a sandstone of two or three meters thick (II and III interval). Sedimentological and geochemical results suggest a front delta - upper prodelta environment for the studied unit in this locality. Sediments provenance is associated with a recycled orogen that collided with the northwestern edge of South America; source rock was composed of metamorphic, sedimentary and felsic igneous rocks.