Abstract: It is possible to make greater discoveries for petroleum exploration of Paleozoic marine carbonate in Tarim basin, if the train of thought in study of the structures can be opened up or changed. From the view point of Paleozoic structural evolution in Tarim basin which existed “Xingkai taphrogeny” and “Emei taphrogeny”the effects of these taphrogenies on forming hydrocarbon reservoirs of the Paleozoic are analyzed, and some key problems in the exploration are clarified. This paper suggests that the related research ideas should be blazed new trails in order to fit in with the extension structure setting for exploration arrangement and working method. Results show that Tarim is the most favorable oil and gas-bearing basin of Paleozoie in China's three cratonic basins. It is believed that good exploratory results and even new great discovery will be made.

Key words: Tarim basin, Paleozoic, Marine facies, carbonate facies, exploration