Exploration History and New Frontiers of Oil and Gas in Deep to Ultra-Deep Carbonate Reservoirs in Tarim Basin

doi:10.7657/XJPG20250401

Abstract

Abstract:

Deep to ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs have become a critical component for increasing hydrocarbon reserves and production in the Tarim Basin, and represent a pivotal direction for future exploration. This paper systematically reviews the geological theories of hydrocarbon accumulation and summarizes the exploration achievements in the Tarim Basin. The exploration of deep to ultra-deep marine carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin can be primarily divided into four stages: the buried-hill reservoir exploration stage (1984-1996), the karst fractured-vuggy reservoir exploration stage (1997-2015), the fault-controlled fractured-vuggy reservoir exploration stage (2016-2020), and the new frontier and new type reservoir exploration stage (2021-present). Through an integrated analysis on geological conditions, exploration trends, and potential reserves-enhancing areas, several key prospects were identified, including fault-controlled fracture-cavity zones in the Shunbei area, multi-type fracture-cavity zones in the Tabei area, composite fracture-cavity zones in the Tazhong area, composite fracture-cavity zones in the Maigaiti slope, and deep Sinian-Cambrian dolomites in the western margin of the Manjiaer depression.

Key words: Tarim Basin, deep to ultra-deep stratum, carbonate rock, exploration history, resource potential, geological condition, typical oil and gas reservoir, new exploration frontier

CLC Number:

TE132

CAO Zicheng, GENG Feng, REN Lidan, JIANG Huashan, SHANG Kai, LIU Yongli. Exploration History and New Frontiers of Oil and Gas in Deep to Ultra-Deep Carbonate Reservoirs in Tarim Basin[J]. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology, 2025, 46(4): 395-402.

Figures/Tables 3

References 23

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