Bohai Bay Basin underwent two rifting cycles during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic era

accompanied by intense neutral-acidic and neutral-basaltic magmatism.Based on comprehensive research of the Meso-Cenozoic volcanic rock distribution and their reservoir types

characteristics and patterns

this paper discusses the exploration potential of volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs in Bohai Bay Basin.The Mesozoic

especially the Early Cretaceous volcanic rock is mainly distributed in the east of the basin;the Cenozoic magmatism may be divided into four stages:Kongdian-Sha

4

Sha

3

Sha

2

-Dongying

Guantao.There are three types of volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the basin

i.e.buried-hill

fault block and stratigraphic-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs.The first type is mainly developed in the Mesozoic volcanic rocks; the second type is mainly developed in the volcanic rocks of Kongdian-Sha

4

stage; the third type is common in the Cenozoic volcanic rocks

of which the effusive facies are the most favorable for reservoir formation.The Sha

3

volcanic rocks e contribute to the greatest volume of proven reserves.In addition to the Sha

3

volcanic rocks the Mesozoic

Kongdian-Sha

4

and offshore Sha

2

-Dongying volcanic rocks also show great potential for petroleum exploration.