THE DYNAMICS OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS AND ENERGY RESOURCES——RETROSPCTIVE AND PROSPECTS AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY

Sedimentary basin is a huge and important treasury for human beings. Now, the human society is facing a serious challenge from environment, resources and hazards. In order to acquire the energy resources which is vital to prosperity and development of human society, it is necessary to study sedimentary basins more intensively. Currently, the study of the dynamics of sedimentary basins becomes a tendency to theoretical research on sedimentary basins. In order to reveal a series of features of origins and evolution of sedimentary basins, we need to recognize not only the relation of sedimentary basins to plate tectonic framework, but the relation of sedimentary basins to deep mantle convection system. The integration of seismological tomography, igneous petrology, geochemistry and modeling for basin can provide basin dynamic studies with a very important way. The fluid system in sedimentary basins is extremely significant for petroleum accumulation, metallogenesis of many strata bound deposits as well as the utility and protection of underground water resources. This research field, weakly studied before, will become a focus of multi disciplinary research. The study on sedimentary basins, and exploration and development of energy resources such as petroleum, coal and radioactive minerals, etc. have been depending upon high technology, especially high resolution geophysical techniques, such as 3D,4D and multi wave seismic surveys. At the beginning of a new century, traps, reservoirs and activities of fluid flows underground will be more accurately imaged and traced through newer technology. The computer modeling will turn into a necessary tool in the study of geology and accumulation processes. To re observe and re appraise the interior constitution of sedimentary basins by means of new theories and technology will bring a greater increase in resource exploration.