| Maracaibo Basin | |
|---|---|
| Depresión del lago de Maracaibo | |
.jpg) | |
 Geographic map of the natural region of Lake Maracaibo Depression. | |
| Floor elevation | −12–200 m (−39–656 ft) |
| Area | 36,803 km2 (14,210 sq mi) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Venezuela |
| States | |
| Coordinates | 9°N 71°W / 9°N 71°W |
The Maracaibo Basin, also known as Lake Maracaibo natural region, Lake Maracaibo depression or Lake Maracaibo Lowlands, is a foreland basin and one of the eight natural regions of Venezuela, found in the northwestern corner of Venezuela in South America. Covering over 36,657 square km, it is a hydrocarbon-rich region that has produced over 30 billion bbl of oil with an estimated 44 billion bbl yet to be recovered.[1][2] The basin is characterized by a large shallow tidal estuary, Lake Maracaibo, located near its center. The Maracaibo basin has a complex tectonic history that dates back to the Jurassic period with multiple evolution stages. Despite its complexity, these major tectonic stages are well preserved within its stratigraphy. This makes The Maracaibo basin one of the most valuable basins for reconstructing South America's early tectonic history.
- ^ Escalona, A.; Mann, P. (2006). "An overview of the Petroleum system of Maracaibo Basin". AAPG Bulletin. 90 (4): 657–678. doi:10.1306/10140505038.
- ^ Guzman, J.; Fisher, W. (2006). "Early and middle Miocene depositional history of the Maracaibo Basin, western Venezuela". American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin. 90 (4): 625–655. doi:10.1306/10110505035.