Outcrop observation

reprocessed seismic reflection profiles and drilling data were integrated to describe the characteristics of structural deformation of Bachu uplift. The previously interpreted structural style was "one uplift between two fault zones". However

the previously interpreted fault zones with deep angle were not faults but a pair of conjugate kink-band structural zones. It is believed that the large kink-band structural zones and the fold structures in the area are the dominant styles of structural deformations in the abdomen of the cratonic basin under compression. The widely developed gypsum-salt bed and discontinuous bed boundary and regional along-bedding compressional deformation are the vital geological factors controlling the formation of the large kink-band structural zones. Marks like geometry

seismic reflection and stress were presented for identification of large underground kink-band structural zones based on their formation mechanism and differences with large fault zones. On the basis of research on history of Bachu uplift

we discussed the implications of the Paleozoic kink deformation to reservoir improving and traps forming

analyzed their exploration prospect and outlined the favorable zones for discovering large anticlinal reservoirs of kind fold type.