Análisis petrográfico y geoquímico de las unidades magmáticas del Volcán Auca Mahuida, Provincia del Neuquén, Argentina

Abstract

Auca Mahuida Volcano, located 50 km north of Añelo (37°44' S, 68°55' W), in the Province of Neuquén, lies in the northeastern part of the Neuquén Basin and represents the southernmost unit of the Payenia Volcanic Province. It is an extensive volcanic structure composed of a succession of lavas accumulated during the Pleistocene, overlying sedimentary units of the Neuquén and Malargüe groups. In this work, a geochemical and petrographic study was conducted on igneous rock samples from units located in the subsurface of the eruptive center of Auca Mahuida Volcano. Additionally, well logging data provided by Y.P.F. S.A., which operates the Auca Mahuida Volcano and Las Manadas fields, was analyzed. Based on the results of the geochemical classification of subsurface samples, the petrological analysis of cutting samples and thin sections, and the interpretation of well logging data, a series of intrusive igneous bodies, such as a laccolith, dikes, and sills, were modeled and classified, allowing for an expanded understanding of the Auca Mahuida Volcano structure and its subsurface architecture.