Sedimentary evolution of Neoproterozoic rift basin in northern Tarim

Abstract

Based on the outcrop, drilling and seismic data, the sedimentary successions, evolution and hydrocarbon exploration potential of the Neoproterozoic rift basin in the northern Tarim were firstly analyzed. Due to assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent, the Tabei paleocontinent and the Tarim paleocontinent were developed in the Tarim craton with an EW-trending back-arc rift basin between them during Neoproterozoic time; very thick marine clastic rocks, carbonate rocks and volcanic rocks (including tillite) were deposited in the Kuruktag and Aksu area of the northern Tarim, which experienced deep sea, bathyal sea and littoral sea environments with transitional delta and ice-sea. During the Early Cryogenian and the Late Ediacaran, the northern rift basin evolved from the deep sea to the littoral-neritic sea, while the lithology changed from clastic rocks to carbonate rocks. According to the field and production data, the formation and preservation of the source rocks and reservoirs indicate a good exploration potential of the Neoproterozoic rift basin.