Abstract:

The foreland thrust-fold belts in west-central China are located in the hinterland of Eurasia.They have experienced multiple tectonic cycles and multiple episodes of tectonic movements since Protozoic along with the accretion of Eurasia. The Himalayan intracontinental orogeny finalized the foreland thrust fold belts on both sides of Tian Shan and on northern side of Kunlun mountain.Continental source rocks,composed mainly of Triassic and Jurassic coal measures and argillaceous rocks,are developed in these foreland thrust-fold belts due to the unique tectonic setting and evolution history.The oil and gas pools in this area are characterized by multistage and mainly late stage hydrocarbon accumulations,as a result of long hydrocarbon generation and migration history and structural traps finalized in the late stage.Areas with good preservation conditions and well developed cap rocks are favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation.Efforts should be focused on theoretical study of the unique hydrocarbon accumulation conditions and features in the foreland thrust-fold belts in west-central China and on the relevant technological research,in addition to drawing on foreign exploration experiences in similar regions.

Key words: foreland thrust-fold belt, intracontinental foreland basin, petroleum geological feature, exploration proposal