Structural styles and their geological significance to petroliferous basins of China

The control of various structural styles on hydrocarbon accumulation proves to be a major scientific challenge for hydrocarbon exploration. Based on a summary of previous research achievements and exploration experience, we systematically organize the evolution and genetic models of different structure styles in the petroliferous basins of China,and analyze their control on hydrocarbon accumulation. The findings are as follows: (1) Four major structural styles are identified in petroliferous basins of China: extensional, contractional, strike-slip, and superimposed structures. The extensional structure, among others, primarily controls basin formation, while the contractional and strike-slip structures principally govern basin reconstruction.(2) These structural styles play significantly different roles in hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation. Specifically, the extensional structure controls the development of source rocks, favorable reservoirs, and cap rocks, key factors to hydrocarbon accumulation in the basins. In contrast,the contractional, strike-slip, and superimposed structures dictate hydrocarbon migration and the evolution of traps.(3) Under the combined influence of tectonics and other factors, faults themselves can serve as reservoirs, providing spaces for hydrocarbon accumulation. This fault reservoir represents an emerging hydrocarbon exploration target presently.