Oil-source correlation and its accumulation in Tarim Basin

Introduction:
Numerous oil-source correlation studies have been performed in the Tarim Basin, yet the origins of the discovered oils in the cratonic region of this basin remain unresolved(e.g., Yang, 1991; Zhao et al., 1997; Hanson et al., 2000; Zhang et al., 2000, 2004, 2005; Sun et al., 2003; Wang and Xiao, 2004; Cai et al., 2009a,b; Pan and Liu, 2009; Li et al., 2010). Previous studies demonstrated that the main source rocks in the cratonic region of the Tarim Basin are within Cambrian and Ordovician strata. In the present study, a large set of crude oil samples fromTarim basin were analyzed to enhance understanding of the sources and filling processes of the major oil reservoirs in this basin.

Goals
This project focuses on the oil-source correlation and its accumulation in Tarim Basin (Fig.1) by geochemical methods.


Fig. 1: Location map of the Tazhong Uplift, Tahe oilfield in the Tabei Uplift (Shuang Yu, 2011)

In conjunction with the regional geologic setting, we are performing a comprehensive investigation to dertimine 1) oil families, 2) oil sources, and 3) the direction of oil migration. The analytical methods being employed include whole oil GC, biomarkers, aromatics, NSO, hydrogen isotopes and carbon isotopes.

Participants
Brian Horsfield
Heinz Wilkes