Comparison of Kuqa foreland basin with Persian Gulf Basin in salt tectonics

Compared Kuqa foreland basin with Persian Gulf Basin in development of salt layers, salt tectonics, and the relation between salt tectonics and hydrocarbon, it is concluded that the salt diapirs are relative to hydrocarbon. Searching salt diapirs and related traps in Kuqa foreland basin is important. The forming mechanism of salt tectonic in Kuqa foreland basin is different from that of Hormuz Series, but similar to that of Lower Fars Series/Gachsaran Formation. Inspired by the role of salt tectonics of Lower Fars Series/Gachsaran Formation in hydrocarbon accumulation, the authors considered that the exploration below salt layer should be enforced, and the traps below salt layer in the southern part of the Kuqa foreland basin would be found where salt layer is thicker. On the contrary, the traps should be found both above and below the salt layer in front of the northern mountain where salt layer is thin. The Triassic and Jurassic source rocks are rich in this area with great exploration prospective.

Fault Systems and Their Mechanisms of the Formation and Distribution of the Tarim Basin,NW China

This article aims to analyze the main controlling factors of development, distribution and evolution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Based on the seismic profile interpretation, compre- hensive analysis of the drilling and geologic data, six fault systems maybe recognized in the Tarim Basin, they are the foreland fault system of the South Tianshan Mountain, the northern Tarim uplift fault sys- tem, North Tarim depression fault system, central fault system, Southwest Tarim fault system, and Southeast Tarim fault system. It is indicated that the main differences exist at the development, evolu- tion and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. The sub-fault systems can be recognized according to the differences of the fault development and distribution in the interior of the fault system. It is characterized that the multi-level differential development and distribution of the fault systems ex- ist in the Tarim Basin. The fault belt developed in the Paleozoic strata mainly distribute at the pa- leo-uplift and paleo-slope in the interior of the Tarim Basin, and the fault belt occurred in the Meso-Cenozoic beds mainly develop at the peripheral foreland depressions. Zonal and segment differ- ential development and distribution of the fault systems also exist in the Tarim Basin. The formation and distribution of the Tarim fault systems is of complex controlling mechanisms. Poly-phase structural movement and tectonic transition controls the multi-phase differential development and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Multi-level differential development and distribution is controlled by multi-level detachment belt and regional unconformities. Zonal and segment differential develop- ment and distribution of the Tarim fault systems maybe controlled by pre-existed basement structural texture. The major direction of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin is controlled by the later stage basin-mountain coupling.