The relationship between tectonic evolution and hydrocarbon distribution is complex in major petroli- ferous basins such as Sichuan

Ordos

Junggar and Tarim in central-western China.Analysis of the tectonic evolution and late differential tectonic modification of these basins shows that the four basins had the similar process and different geologic timing of tectonic evolution and basin formation

i.e.they all have a similar basin-forming process featuring in transformation from extensional to compressional or transpressional basin.The late tectonic modification of the clastic strata is characterized by lateral aligning and vertical superimposition of three basic structural styles including foreland thrust

differential uplifts and titled structure.Tectonic activity

basin formation and late modification jointly control hydrocarbon accumulation types

sizesand distribution.Simple basin-forming process but diversified tectonic transformation determines that the four basins have similar play types but differential distribution patterns.The basic modification style of the four basins determines their hydrocarbon accumulation types

while the superposition features control the timing and sizes of hydrocarbon accumulation.Based on the understanding of the similarities and differences of tectonic controlling factors on hydrocarbon accumulation among these basins

we put forward a play classification scheme.According to this scheme

we identified 4 play types including palaeo-uplift

slope

foreland folded-thrust and large fault.