THERMAL EVOLUTION IN TARIM BASIN

Thermal evolution, including Palaeotemperature, palaeoheat-flow and hydrocarbon generation history, is simulated from Sinian to the current by 2-D numerical method based on the tectonic along 11 seismic profiles in Tarim Basin. At several well locations, the simulation results match the measured data well. It is indicated that the thermal evolution from Sinian to the current in Tarim Basin can be divided into four stages. (1 )High heat flow (hot basin)thermal evolution from Sinian to Ordovician; (2)Thermal decline from Silurian to later Paleozoic, being 'hot basin' to 'cool basin' 4 (3) The stable thermal evolution (cool basin) in Mesozoic; (4)Thermal evolution of the lithosphere flexibility in Cenozoic. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon generation histories in the three source rocks in Tarim Basin are simulated, and the prospecting accumulations in favorable areas are analyzed taking account of the tectonic evolution.