Abstract: The Hercynian movement is a significant event for tectonic evolution in Tarim basin. The paleohighs adjacent the source center in this period should be long-term objective area for hydrocarbon migration; the existing faults and karstification provided channels and pore volumes for petroleum migration. The relative stability of late tectonic movement and the superposition of regional shale cap rocks constituted effective reservoir-cap rock system with carbonate cavities, which just matched the Hercynian oil-generating peak of Middle- Lower Cambrian source rocks, being favorable to the formation and preservation of large oil-gas fields in this area. According to petroleum distribution rule of "oils controlled by paleohighs and enriched by slope belt", it is concluded that Tazhong, Lunnan, Yingmaili and Bachu paleohighs or uplifts are most favorable domains for further petroleum exploration.

Key words: Tarim basin, Hercynian movement, paleohigh, uplift, marine hydrocarbon accumulation