Kinematic Evolution of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Pindell, James, Tectonic Analysis, Ltd., West Sussex England, Also at: Dept. Geology and Geophysics, Rice University, Houston, TX; and Lorcan Kennan

Abstract

Plate kinematic analysis of the Gulf of Mexico-Caribbean region, and palinspastic restoration of the region’s continental margins and terranes, are fundamental to understanding the region’s exploration framework. Plate kinematic analysis provides the geometric framework in which to develop paleogeographic evolution, as well as constrains the primary setting, style, and timing of basement structure in the region’s shallow-water and deep-water continental margins. Palinspastic restoration of deformations, terrane accretions, and sedimentary and magmatic additions to the region’s continental areas back through time to the breakup of Pangea allows fine-tuning of the kinematics, as well as prediction of parameters such as paleoheatflow, early sedimentary provenance, and aspects of source and reservoir potential. A Triassic palinspastic reconstruction of western Pangea is developed which provides a starting point for models of regional Mesozoic-Cenozoic evolution. Forward and reverse paleogeographic modeling strictly following the tenets of plate kinematics allows development of an evolutionary model for the Gulf that is sufficiently robust to help constrain hydrocarbon systems and define and evaluate plays. It is seen that the various continental margins around the Gulf and proto-Caribbean seaway are surprisingly different in their details, and that each has its own set of circumstances, some favorable and some detrimental. A tour of the early margins and summaries of subsequent development since their creation is presented which highlights the pros and cons for exploration in each margin.