oa Marine Hydrocarbon Accumulation Conditions and Exploration Direction in Northeastern Awati Depression, Tarim Basin, NW China

This study explores the potential for deep marine petroleum exploration in the northeast margin of the Awati Depression, Tarim Basin, NW China, highlighting both challenges and opportunities due to the area’s underexplored nature. The research identifies multiple marine source rocks, especially high-quality rocks in the Lower Cambrian Yuertus Formation, which are crucial for hydrocarbon generation. The region’s well-developed fault systems play a critical role in the distribution and accumulation of hydrocarbons, creating favorable conditions for reservoir formation. Various types of marine carbonate reservoirs, including fault-controlled-fractured, fault-dissolution-dual-control, and karst weathering crust reservoirs, are found in the area, each with distinct geological and fluid flow characteristics. The oil and gas preservation conditions are generally good, leading to a differentiated distribution of these reservoirs. The study suggests that exploration should prioritize karst-weathering-crust type reservoirs in uplift areas and strike-slip fault zones in low uplift or slope areas. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for guiding future exploration strategies, optimizing target selection, and improving the success rate of oil and gas discoveries in this promising yet challenging region.