Characteristics and hydrocarbon-generating potential of Carboniferous source rock in Tacheng Basin

Based on the analyses of generation and organic geochemical characteristics of outcrops in the Tacheng Basin and source rocks from well Tacan 1,the hydrocarbon-generating potential of the Carboniferous source rocks was discussed.According to the lithology and organic abundance of source rocks,mudstones were good source rocks while carbonaceous mudstones and coals were also favorable.The mudstones in the Upper Carboniferous were generally more favorable than those in the Lower Carboniferous.The organic material types of source rocks were mainly humus ones with gas-generating feature.Source rock evolution had entered the high-mature and over-mature stages,but there still existed residual hydrocarbon-generating capacity.Studies should be focused on the main distribution areas of source rocks,the relationship between hydrocarbon generation and basin evolutions histories,and the history of accumulation.