Temporal and spatial evolution analysis: The early Paleozoic Paleo-Uplifts in the Tarim basin

Abstract

Twenty unconformities, primarily superimposed types, were identified based on interpretation of a 46 000 km seismic profile combined with data from over 40 drilling wells. These respectively correspond to the main tectonic evolution stages and the boundaries between those stages. Reconstruction of the original depths of eroded strata was conducted for the Middle Caledonian, Early Hercynian, Late Hercynian, Indosinian, Early Yanshanian and Late Yanshanian unconformities using the virtual extrapolation of seismic reflection. Eroded strata thicknesses were also calculated for individual periods and intervals. Based on the reconstructed data, in combination with data from research on sedimentary facies, a paleogeomorphological profile was constructed for different tectonic evolution stages of the basin during the Early Paleozoic. The profile indicates the presence of obvious regularity in the temporal and spatial evolution of these unconformities. Based on the characteristics of paleo-uplift evolution and post-layering reconstruction, the paleo-uplifts were divided into inherited (e.g., Tazhong (塔中)), residual (e.g., North Tarim) and active (e.g., Southwest Tarim and Bachu (巴楚)) types. The huge North Tarim uplift represents a typical form of residual paleo-uplift. The Paleozoic strata in the upper layers of the uplift is in poor condition for reservoir accumulation and preservation; however, the Upper Mesozoic-Cenozoic structural layer can form a secondary reservoir that is relatively rich in oil and gas. Furthermore, the flank slope area of the uplift is always a key source for oil and gas collection and the most advantageous position for the formation of the original reservoir. The Tazhong paleo-uplift has been stable since its formation in the Late Ordovician, where petroleum accumulation has been distributed not only in the uplift, but also in the deep and slope belts of the uplift. Important breakthroughs in petroleum exploration of the slope break in the North Tazhong area dating back to the Paleozoic have further confirmed the enrichment of oil and gas in this type of uplift. The Southwest Tarim paleo-uplift is a buried type, which has given it favorable properties for hydrocarbon migration over a long time. An open question is whether the large amount of oil and gas accumulated here was transported to the current Bachu uplift.

Keywords

Tarim basin / Paleozoic / paleogeomorphology / paleo-uplift / superimposed unconformity / key tectonic change

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