Paleogeomorphology Analysis and its Application in Exploration and Production of Karstic Ordovician Carbonate

The Ordovician carbonate karst reservoir which is usually buried 5000m deep is an increasingly important target for oil exploration and production in Tarim Basin, West China. The paleogeomorphology of the top of the Ordovician carbonate directly controls reservoir development and hydrocarbon accumulation, so detailed characterization of karst paleogeomorphology is one of the key steps to identify reservoir development rules which will lead to more efficient exploration and production activities in the study area. This paper presents an example study on carbonate karst paleogeomorphology in Tarim Basin. Also, its significance to exploration and production activities has been discussed.