The multicycle tectonic evolution of Tarim craton controls the formation of superimposed the Tarim Basin

petroleum-geology conditions as well as the features of composite petroleum system

thus determines hydrocarbon distribution and resources potential in the basin.Dominated by the evolution of Paleo-Asian tectonic domain and Tethyan tectonic domain

the basin experienced three extensional-compressional cycles

which can be divided into six phases

with various prototype basins.Affected by 6 large-scale tectonic movements

including Caledonian

early Hercynian

latest Hercynian

Indosinian

Yanshan

and Himalayan

these prototype basins were reshaped by uplifting

denudation

folding

and faulting.The Tarim Basin have the following geologic characteristics:many sets of source rocks

several hydrocarbon kitchens

various types of reservoirs

multiply of reservoir-cap rock combinations

and multistage hydrocarbon generation and accumulation

as well as multiphase adjustment

reforming

and destruction.According to the distribution of the hydrocarbon kitchens and their relation with re-servoirs containing hydrocarbon generated by them

10 composite petroleum systems can be recognized in the basin.The Palaeozoic petroleum system has the following three critical periods:Late Caledonian-early Hercynian

late Hercynian and Himalayan.The hydrocarbon distribution of the petroleum system in each critical period is controlled by the relationships between the hydrocarbon kitchens and paleohighs

and finalized by the superposition of multi-stage petroleum systems.