The author proposed four major special conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation in large saline lacustrine basins of inland plateau (such as the western Qaidam area). First

their sedimentary environment is similar to that of modern Qinghai Lake

featuring in unique deposition conditions such as multisource

small systems

narrow facies belt and multiple types. Secondly

controlled by unique geological background and water medium

they share the pattern of one hydrocarbongeneration depression with a number of kitchens. Thirdly

different from other large inland lake (such as the Ordos Basin) with a single hydrocarbon migration potential

they have the advantage of multidirectional migration potential of oil and gas. Finally

reservoirs in active regions at higher altitude show a “selfclosed” pooling pattern. Based on the above four specific reservoiring conditions

the author proposed that oil and gas exploration in western Qadam Basin shall not only focus on delta front deposits

but also on the following three targets: beach bar sand

algal limestone as well as slump and turbidite sandbody caused by earthquakes. In addition

the abovementioned features determine that the oil fields in western Qaidam have the characteristics of nearsource accumulation

wide distribution

small but numerous oil/gas fields. Thus the exploration should be mainly brought before areas close to the main kitchens

such as Altun

Gansen and along Honggouzi. Meanwhile

the understanding of socalled “selfclosed” reservoiring pointed out that the uplifted basin margin be the main areas for future reserve growth.