Abstract:

Kuqa Depression, located in the North Tarim Basin, is a Meso-Cenozoic foreland basin. Its development was associated with the formation and development of Hercynian fold belt in Southern Tianshan Mountains. The depression is characterized by well developed fold and thrust belts strecthing in E-W direction and consists of four structural belts. The structural styles of the surface With imbricate structures, overthrust structures,recoil faults and propagating folds differ from those of subsurface "passive-roof duplex structures". These structures were formed by multi-tectonic movement, in particular, by Himalayas movements and the tectonic deformaion propagated from foreland to hinterland. Based on restored and balanced cross-sections, the shortening rate of the sections across the depression is estimated to be 27%～44 %.It thus proposed that the depression has fsvourable conditions for hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation, and is a prospect area for hydrocarbon exploration. The exploration target should be focused on the structures in deep strata.