This article correlated the evolution history of the northern South America Plate and its typical petroli-ferous basins(Maracaibo Basin and East Venezuela Basin).In the early of evolution

the northern South America Plate was in the passive margin stage when quality marine source rocks were deposited in these petroliferous basins.In the late of evolution

the east-to-west oblique subduction of the Caribbean Plate under the South American Plate resulted in the sequential tectonic evolution of the petroliferous basins in northern South America.i.e.tectonic evolution of the basin in the west was prior to that in the east.Correspondingly

the generation

migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons obeyed similar order to that of basins.The subduction resulted in the formation of many clastic-filled wedges

which are wonderful reservoirs.Hydrocarbons migrated from north to south along compression stress direction and faults and were eventually preserved within structural traps.Moreover

the oblique character of subduction brought certain strike-slip properties to the thrust faults.Many strike-slip faults were developed and imposed little late damages to the accumulation of oil and gas

leading to better preserve conditions for the oil and gas in northern South America.