Division and resources evaluation of hydrocarbon plays in Putomayo-Oriente-Maranon Basin, South America

Based on the latest seismic, logging and reservoir reserve data, through hydrocarbon accumulation elements analysis, the play of Putomayo-Oriente-Maranon (POM) basin, South America is divided. The POM basin was divided into 9 plays, and the undiscovered petroleum resources of these plays are estimated as 11.0×108t by using subjective probability method and scale sequential method; and the total undiscovered petroleum resources of the Hollin sandstone play, Napo T member sandstone play, Napo U member sandstone play and Napo M1 member sandstone play are 10.4×108t (accounting for 94% of the whole basin). Based on hydrocarbon accumulation factors analysis, including source rock, reservoir, trap, migration, seal and preservation, the plays have been evaluated and ranked by using double factors method of resources-geological risks, including four class I plays, two class II and three class III plays. Favorable exploration areas have been optimized by using “play area overlaying” method: the central part of the basin is the class I favorable area.