Abstract: The Minhe basin is a typical reconstituted type depositional one, rebuilt in period of Mesozoic and Cenozoic. The formation and development of the basin experienced many times of tectonic movement including the formation of the basin during Yanshan movement period and rebuilt during Himalayan movement. The basic tectonic con- figuration is "two-sag and two-uplift". There are three types of source- reservoir- cap assemblages in the basin. Numerous trap of various types are results of intensive tectonic movements. Through the comprehensive study on the formation of structures and their development regularities, it is predicted there will exist six types of traps. The future promising prospecting area will be situated in distribution area of such traps.

Key words: Minhe basin, structural belt, trap, oilfield, exploration