Abstract: In the light of systematic study of a large number of sandstone thin-sections from surface exposure and wells, the authors considered that the Kuqa depression in the north ofthe Tarim basin was a foreland basin,and the Awat-Mannaer depression was an intra cratonic downwarped basin. On the basis of analysis of basinal types,combining the result ofoil/gas exploration in the area,the distribution pattern of hydrocarbon accumulation andhydrocarbon exploration prospect were analysed and predicted.