Based on analyses of the case studies of typical hydrocarbon pooling patterns,five types of hydrocarbon pooling patterns are identified,and a new definition for the hydrocarbon pooling pattern is put forward in this paper.According to the study,the elements of hydrocarbon pooling include basic geologic conditions,drive force and medium,mechanism,and process of reservoir evolution,et al.Comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon pooling patterns should be based on all these elements.Moreover,the method for establishment of each pooling pattern and its range of application should be in accordance with the levels of exploration and research.In practice,one or more of these four elements can be selected as the primary elements,with the others as secondary ones,to establish the hydrocarbon pooling patterns at basin,depression,sag and trap levels respectively.