Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (2): 299-308.doi: 10.11743/ogg20210204

• Petroleum Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Structural characteristics and exploration prospects of the southwestern margin of Bachu Uplift, Tarim Basin

Fei Ning1,2(), Jinbiao Yun1,2, Jianjiao Li2, Haiming Song2, Liangdong Zhao3   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Effective Development, SINOPEC, Beijing 100083, China
    2. Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, SINOPEC, Beijing 100083
    3. Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2019-02-22 Online:2021-04-28 Published:2021-04-21

Abstract:

Structural faults of various styles are developed in the Bachu Uplift of western central uplift zone in the Tarim Basin.To pinpoint potential exploration targets in the southwestern margin of this petroliferous uplift, the geometry and distribution of the faults were defined through a fine interpretation of available seismic data and the connection between the faults and hydrocarbon pooling patterns was analyzed based on known reservoir characteristics.The results reveal two typical faulting styles in the margin: transpression, mostly recognized in NW-trending faults, and thrust nappe, largely found in near EW-trending faults.Both of the faults show a multi-phase composite superposition feature, which is made more complicated with the occurrence of some decollement layers.Traps formed by the EW-trending faulting is comparatively better than the NW-trending faulting-related anticline traps in terms of integrity.The structural traps in thrust nappe footwall under the gypsolyte are relatively favorable for hydrocarbon preservation, and together with the overlying gypsolyte and the Cambrian source rocks, they form a complete petroleum system.It is then concluded that the relatively integrated traps in the Cambrian pre-salt and inter-salt structures as well as the Caledonian paleo-tectonics in the margin are potential targets for further exploration with their quality source rocks and excellent preservation conditions.

Key words: faulting pattern, structural characteristics, hydrocarbon accumulation, exploration prospect, Bachu Uplift, Tarim Basin

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