Abstract: The basic concept of the theory of virtual reality technique and its software and hardware are presented. The feature and function of Petro-One of the virtual reality system in petroleum industry are discussed and introduced into the petroleum exploration study of carbonate reservoir in Tahe oilfield, which is characterized by large buried depth, weak seismic reflection signal and high heterogeneity. On the basis of multi-well spatial calibration, the fine structural interpretation in virtual environment and the multi-attribute analysis are adopted to horizon tracking and reservoir prediction, respectively. 3D visualization and description are conducted for large-scale fracturevug system of Ordovician in Tahe oilfield. The carbonate reservoir prediction is made using well data. Finally, the prospects of development and application of such a virtual reality system are discussed.

Key words: Tarim basin, virtual reality, petroleum exploration, carbonate reservoir, 3D, seismic interpretation