Hydrocarbon Generation Potential in Pelotas Basin: Insights from Seismic and Source Rock Modeling

Summary The Pelotas Basin, located along the South American Atlantic margin, is an underexplored frontier basin with significant hydrocarbon exploration potential. It shares geological similarities with the Namibian margin, which has seen significant hydrocarbon discoveries recently. This study integrates seismic data, well information, geochemical analyses, and source rock modeling to assess the basin’s potential. Organic matter analyses indicate Type II/III kerogen, suggesting favorable oil and gas generation conditions, with up to 4% of Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Seismic mapping reveals significant Cretaceous sediment thickness variations, with key areas near the Torres Arch and Rio Grande Cone showing thick packages that could enhance hydrocarbon potential. The potential generation maps highlight these thick areas as the most promising for exploration. Comparisons with conjugate margin basins further support the Pelotas Basin’s hydrocarbon potential. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of the Pelotas Basin for future exploration, with promising regions identified for oil and gas generation based on geological, geophysical, and geochemical data. This study identified Orange Basin key features of the petroleum system in the Pelotas Basin in Brazil and Uruguay.