Abstract: Tarim basin has undergone multi-stage differential elevating-subsiding motion and periphery orogeny, and formed a series of structural pivot zones. Their formation is closely related to the formation and evolution of uplifts and slopes. According to the differences of forming characteristics and developing positions, the pivot zone can be divided into three types: uplift-tilted type, slope-reversed type and uplift-slope compound type. The superior hydrocarbon accumulation conditions are generally found in these types of pivot zones in adjacent source area, carbonate rock karst, weathering crust, reef-bank and karst type reservoirs, and traps are dominated by buried hill and structural-lithologic traps. With respect to sag or source areas, the pivot zones are normally in higher locations, being the pointing area of hydrocarbon migration; while with respect to the uplift top, they are in lower ones, favorable for hydrocarbon preservation. Therefore, no matter for hydrocarbon capture or preservation, the pivot zones always locate in favorable positions. In addition, the hydrocarbon distribution in pivot zones is obviously characterized by complex hydrocarbon accumulation.

Key words: Tarim basin, superimposed basin, structural pivot zone, carbonate rock, hydrocarbon accumulation