The history of oil and gas exploration in Tarim basin can be divided into three periods and six stages.Works in the first period were mainly focused on the piedmont structural belt of the basin.Guided by the structural trap theory and following the oil seepage as the clue

the first breakthrough in oil and gas exploration was achieved at the place.While during the second period

the northern Tarim basin was the focus of exploration.Guided by lithologic trap theory and carbonate source rocks theory

oil and gas exploration of marine facies began in China

with the cratonic paleo-uplift and paleo-slope as the main targets.The third period can be described as all-round exploration

which was carried out by taking the hydrocarbon accumulation theory of superimposed basin as the guidance and the cratonic paleo-uplift and paleo-slope as well as the foreland thrust fold belts as the exploration targets.During the process

a comprehensive appraisal system for the basin had been developed.The exploration practice in the basin shows that for oil and gas discovery

new theories and deeper understandings are the foundation;flexibility is the critical catalyst

enlightenment of the nearby analog prospecting region is the shortcut

advancement in engineering technology is the bridge

and the scientific decision-making for exploration is the key of speeding up.At present

oil and gas output from Tarim basin has already surpassed 20 000 000 tons of oil equivalent

symbolizing that oil and gas exploration in Tarim basin will soon enter the fast discovery stage and lying down the foundation for the realization of China's strategic replacement of oil and gas resources.