Advances and problems in hydrocarbon exploration in the Tazhong area, Tarim Basin

Located in the middle of the Tarim Basin, Tazhong is a typical area of compound reservoirs rich in oil and gas found in the Carboniferous, Silurian and Ordovician strata. The proved, probable and possible reserves (3P reserves) in the area amount to 5×108 tons, so it is of great significance to study the advances and problems in hydrocarbon exploration in the Tazhong area. On the basis of exploration history and analysis of scientific problems, we outline eight achievements: distribution characteristics of reservoirs, stages of reservoir formation, different sources of oil and gas and their respective contributions, the effective regional caprock and reservoir-caprock combinations dominating the vertical distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs, the control of the Tazhong Palaeo-uplift on reservoir formation and establishing geologic models, structure balance belts influencing the reconstruction and residual potential of reservoirs after accumulation, the rules and mechanisms of fractures controlling oil and gas, and the types of favorable reservoirs and their characteristics of controlling oil and gas distribution. We further point out the main problems about the oil and gas exploration in the Tazhong area and put forward some relevant proposals.