Abstract:

The superimposed basin is of poly-phase differential structural deformation controlled by key tectonic stages. Five tectonic reform stages, that is mid-Caledonian, Late-Caledonian-Early Hercynian, Late-Hercynian, Indosinian-Yanshanian, and Himalayan, maybe recognized from deformation analysis in the Tarim basin. The development and evolution of the Tarim basin are affected by the main tectonic reform stages. According to the analysis of known oil-gas belts of northern Tarim uplift, mid-Tarim uplift and Kuqa depression, it is indicated that the huge marine carbonate paleo-karst oil-gas pools are controlled by the faulting and folding, uplifting and erosion, and karsting during the period of the Paleozoic tectonic reforms. A large number of hydrocarbon accumulation in the foreland fold-thrust belt are controlled by the Meso-Cenozoic tectonic reforming. All these known hydrocarbon accumulation zones are finalized at the Late-Himalayan movement, forming hydrocarbon accumulation model of the poly-phase reform-late-stage finalization composite tectonics. Analyzing the poly-phase differential structural deformation, an evaluation and strategic selection of oil-gas resources in the new exploration areas of the Tarim basin have been made based on the above-mentioned model. It is proposed that the best new exploration regions are Bachu uplift, Maigaiti slope and foreland foldthrust belt on the west Kunlun Mountain footwall. And the eastern Tarim, Tangubasi depression and Awati fault-depression are of favorable oil-gas exploration prospects.

Key words: poly-phase reform-late-stage finalization, composite tectonics, differential structural deformation, strategic area selection of oil and gas resources, Tarim basin