Characteristics of fault structure and its control on hydrocarbon accumulation in the eastern part of southwestern Tarim Basin

High resolution interpretations of seismic profiles in the eastern part of southwestern Tarim Basin have been accomplished with the application of fault-related folding geometry principles. The Mazhatage fault zone developed both shallow and deep fault systems, and formed fault propagation folds in the deep fault system and thrust structures in the shallow fault system. The Yubei1 tectonic zone was deformed in the Paleozoic strata, and developed mixed fault propagation folds. The Southern Hetian thrust and nappe fault zone is located in front of the western Kunlun orogeny, and developed structural wedges. The Late Caledonian-Early Hercynian, Late Hercynian and Himalayan periods are important for structural formation and evolution in this area. Faults controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in the study area. A large-scale tilting movement took place in the study area during the Himalayan period. Therefore, the pivot part of Maigaiti slope and the southern margin of Bachu uplift are hydrocarbon enrichment zones.