Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Tectonic types and evolution of Ordovician proto-type basins in the Tarim region

  • Published:
Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

The Ordovician system is an important target for exploration in the Tarim Basin. Restoration of the Ordovician tectono-depositional environment is a key basis for the study of the structural development history in Tarim block and the prediction of the favorable Ordovician reservoir belts (zones). Based on the surrounding tectonic settings, the litho-facies and sedimentary fill, the palaeo-geography, palaeoclimate and palaeo-ecology, and the structural deformation and magmatic eruptions, in this paper we combine the sedimentary fill in the basin with the development of the surrounding orogenic belts and re-build the proto-type basins of the different Ordovician periods. During the Ordovician period, the Tarim region was characterized by the composite of the interior cratonic depression with the peripheral cratonic depression. The interior cratonic depression in the central and western parts is mainly the depositional area of the platform facies while the peripheral cratonic depression in the eastern part is mainly the zone of deepwater basin facies, with the slope acting as the transition belt between them. During the Late Ordovician period, the closure of the Northern Kunlun Ocean and destruction of the trench-arc-basin system in the Altyn Tagh region put the southern part of the Tarim block under compression and uplifting and turned the central and western parts of the carbonate platform into the mixed depositional continental shelf. The eastern region of the basin had the over-compensated flysch sedimentation with huge thickness, marking the drastic turn of the basin nature. The basin tectonic framework turned to the south-north differentiation of the Silurian period from the east-west differentiation of the Ordovician period.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Chen F J, Chen Q M, Sun J Z, et al. Structural evolution and its relation to oil and gas in northern Tarim Basin. In: Jiang B N, ed. Studies on Petroleum Geology of Northern Tarim Basin, China, Vol 3: Structures and Hydrocarbon (in Chinese). Wuhan: China University of Geosciences Press, 1991. 29–36

    Google Scholar 

  2. Teng J W. Geophysical Field and Hydrocarbon in Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 1991. 1–121

    Google Scholar 

  3. Tong X G. Tectonic framework and hydrocarbon accumulation. In: Tong X G, Liang D G, eds. Proceedings of Petroleum Exploration in Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Urumqi: Xinjiang Scientific and Technological and Clinical Press, 1992. 17–22

    Google Scholar 

  4. Li D S. Geological features of petroliferous basins in West China. In: Ma Z J, ed. Proceedings of Continental Tectonics in China (in Chinese). Wuhan: China University of Geosciences Press, 1992. 132–143

    Google Scholar 

  5. Jia C Z, Yao H J, Wei G Q, et al. Plate tectonic evolution and geological features of main structural elements of Tarim Basin. In: Tong X G, Liang D G, eds. Proceedings of Petroleum Exploration in Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Urumqi: Xinjiang Scientific and Technological and Clinical Press (in Chinese), 1992. 207–225

    Google Scholar 

  6. Jia C Z, Yao H J, Wei G Q, et al. Basin Structural Evolution and Regional Structural Geology (in Chinese). Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press, 1995. 1–30

    Google Scholar 

  7. He D F, Li D S. Tectonic Evolution and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological publishing House, 1996, 1–171

    Google Scholar 

  8. Tang L J. Evolution and Structural Styles of Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1996. 1–136

    Google Scholar 

  9. Jia C Z. Structural Features and Oil and Gas of Tarim Basin, China (in Chinese). Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press, 1997. 1–438

    Google Scholar 

  10. Zhang G Y. Formation and evolution and oil and gas of Paleozoic cratonic Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2000. 1–115

    Google Scholar 

  11. Jiang M S, Zhu J Q, Chen D Z. Carbon and strontium isotope variations and responses to sea-level fluctuations in the Ordovician of the Tarim Basin. Scie China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2001, 44(9): 816–823

    Google Scholar 

  12. Bao Z D, Jin Z J, Sun L D, et al. Sea-level fluctuation of the Tarim area in the Early Paleozoic: Respondence from geochemistry and karst. Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 2006, 80(3): 366–373

    Google Scholar 

  13. Xu Z Q, Yang J S, Li H B, et al. The early Palaeozoic terrene framework and the formation of the high-pressure (HP) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic belts at the Central Orogenic Belt (COB). Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 2006, 80(12): 1793–1806

    Google Scholar 

  14. Gu J Y. Sedimentary Sequence and Its Evolution in Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press; 1996. 1–361

    Google Scholar 

  15. Zhang S A, Li D M, Han P, et al. Structure stratigraphy assemblage characteristics in Tarim Basin. Xinjiang Petrol Geol (in Chinese), 1998, 19(4): 299–302

    Google Scholar 

  16. Wang Y, Zhang Y W, Jin Z J, et al. Analysis on the tectonic-stratigraphic sequences in the Tarim Basin. Geol Rev (in Chinese), 1999, 45(5): 504–513

    Google Scholar 

  17. Liu S G, Hu W S, Liu Z F, et al. Structure-stratigraphy assemblage characteristic in Tarim Basin from pre-Sinian to Carboniferous. Xi’an Univ Sci Techn J (in Chinese), 2001, 21(2): 136–139

    Google Scholar 

  18. Yu B S, Chen J P, Lin C S. Cambrian-Ordovician sequence stratigraphy on the northern Tarim Platform and its correlation with Yangtze Platform and North China Platform. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2001, 44(4). 373–384

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Lou X Y, Xu X S. Tectonic-sedimentary responses of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang during the late Early Palaeozoic. Sed Geol Tethyan Geol, 2004, 24(3): 72–79

    Google Scholar 

  20. Kang Y Z Characteristics of Petroleum Geology and Resources Appraisal of Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1996. 1–60

    Google Scholar 

  21. Kang Y Z, Kang Z J. Plays for giant oil and gas fields in Tarim Basin. In: Kang Y Z, ed. Proceedings of Petroleum Geology of Tarim Basin, China (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1996. 1–15

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jiang H S, Ye D S, Wang S L, et al. Characteristics of oil and gas pools of Ordovician in Tahe Oil Field. In: Jiang B N, ed. Proceedings of Petroleum Exploration and Development in Northern Tarim Basin (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1997. 99–111

    Google Scholar 

  23. Liang D G, Pi X J, Peng Y. Case study of southern marine and northern non-marine petroleum systems divided by Northern Tarim Uplift. In: Hu J Y, Zhao W Z, eds. Application and Progresses in Petroleum System in China (in Chinese). Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press, 1997. 99–111

    Google Scholar 

  24. Yang W, Wang Q H, Liu X Z. Dolomite origin of Lower Ordovician in Hetian River Gas Field, Tarim Basin. Acta Sed Sin (in Chinese), 2000, 18(4): 544–548

    Google Scholar 

  25. Zhao Z J, Li Y P, Wu X N, et al. Conditions for migration and accumulation of Ordovician giant lithologic oil and gas reservoirs in Tazhong Region and exploration potential. China Petrol Explor (in Chinese), 2004, 9(5): 12–20

    Google Scholar 

  26. Gao Z Q, Fan T L, Jiao Z F, et al. The structural types and depositional characteristics of carbonate platform in the Cambrian-Ordovician of Tarim Basin. Acta Sed Sin (in Chinese), 2006, 24(1): 19–27

    Google Scholar 

  27. Fan J S, Wu Y S. Palaeoenvironmental analyses of Ordovician rocks in the northern uplift of Tarim Basin in terms of calcareous algae and cyanobacteria. Acta Micropalaeontol Sin (in Chinese), 2004, 21(3): 251–266

    Google Scholar 

  28. Zhang B M, Zhang S C, Yin L M, et al. Bioprecursors of the Lianglitake type source rocks from the late Ordovician of Tarim Basin. Acta Micropalaeontol Sin (in Chinese), 2005, 22(3): 243–250

    Google Scholar 

  29. Xu X S, Wang Z J, Wang F, et al. Tectonic paleogeographic evolution and source rocks of the Early Paleozoic in the Tarim Basin. Earth Sci Front (in Chinese), 2005, 12(3): 49–57

    Google Scholar 

  30. Ren J S, Xiao L W. Lifting the mysterious veil of the tectonics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by 1:250000 geological mapping. Reg Geol China (in Chinese), 2004, 23(1): 1–11

    Google Scholar 

  31. He D F, Jia C Z, Li D S, et al. Formation and evolution of polycyclic superimposed Tarim Basin. Oil Gas Geol, 2005, 26(1): 64–71

    Google Scholar 

  32. Zheng J F, Mu S G. Sinian-Ordivician Dithfacies Paleogeography of Tarim Basin. J Southwest-China Petrol Institute (in Chinese), 1995, 17(4): 1–5

    Google Scholar 

  33. Jia C Z, Wei G Q. Structural characteristics and petroliferous features of Tarim Basin. Chin Sci Bull, 2002, 47(Suppl): 1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Chen Z F, Chen S D, Liang Y H. Extension and Compression Tectonics and Mineralization in Xinjiang (in Chinese). Urumqi: Xinjiang Scientific and Technological and Clinical Press, 1997. 1–300

    Google Scholar 

  35. Che Z C, Liu H F, Liu L. Formation and Evolution of Central Tianshan Orogenic Belt (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1994. 1–80

    Google Scholar 

  36. Xinjiang Geological and Mineral Bureau. Regional Geology of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1993. 8–16, 657–658

    Google Scholar 

  37. He G Q, Li M S, Liu D H, et al. Paleozoic Crustal Evolution and Mineralization in Xinjiang (in Chinese). Urumqi: Xinjiang Scientific and Technological and Clinical Press, Hongkong: Hongkong Cultural and Educational Press, 1994. 1–437

    Google Scholar 

  38. Tang Y Q, Gao J, zhao M, et al. Ophilites and Blueschists in Southwest Tianshan Mountains (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1995. 1–133

    Google Scholar 

  39. Zhou D W, Su L, Jian P. Zircon U-Pb SHRIMP ages of high-pressure granulite in Yushugou ophiolitic terrane in southern Tianshan and their tectonic implications. Chin Sci Bull, 2004, 49(13): 1415–1419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Hao J, Liu X H. Ophiolite melange time and tectonic evolutional model in south Tianshan area. Chin J Geol (in Chinese), 1993, 28(1): 1–11

    Google Scholar 

  41. Yang H B, Gao P, Li B, et al. The geological character of the Sinian Dalubayi ophiolite in the west Tianshan, Xinjiang (in Chinese). Xinjiang Geol (in Chinese), 2005, 23(2): 123–126

    Google Scholar 

  42. Pan Y S. Tectonic features and evolution of the western Kunlun Mountain Region. Chin J Geol (in Chinese), 1990, 25(3): 224–231

    Google Scholar 

  43. Pan Y S, Zhou W M, Xu R H. Geological features and evolution of early Paleozoic in west Kunlun Mountain Region. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 1996, 26(4): 302–307

    Google Scholar 

  44. Li J Y, He G Q, Xu X, et al. Crustal tectonic framework of northern Xinjiang and adjacent regions and its formation. Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 2006, 80(1): 148–167

    Google Scholar 

  45. Liu L, Sun Y, Xiao P X. Discovery of ultrahigh-pressure magnesite-bearing garnet Iherzolite (>3.8 GPa) in the Altyn Tagh, Northwest China. Chin Sci Bull, 2002, 47(11): 881–886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Liu L, Sun Y, Luo J H. Ultra-high pressure metamorphism of granitic gneiss in the Yinggelisayi area, Altun Mountains, NW China. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2004, 47(4): 338–346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Liu L, Chen D L, Zhang A D. Ultrahigh pressure (>7 GPa) gneissic K-feldspar (-bearing) garnet clinopyroxenite in the Altyn Tagh, NW China: Evidence from clinopyroxene exsolution in garnet. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2005, 48(7): 1000–1010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Wang S Y, Huang J W, Jiang X Q. The sedimentary and palaeogeographic characteristics of the upper Ordovician in the Tarim Basin. Petrol Geol Exp, 2006, 28(3): 236–242

    Google Scholar 

  49. Jia C Z, Zhang S B, Wu S Z. Stratigraphy of Tarim Basin and Adjacent Areas (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 2004. 1–600

    Google Scholar 

  50. Li Y A, Li Q, Zhang H. Paleomagnetism and several geologic tectonics in Xinjiang. Xinjiang Geol (in Chinese), 1995, 13(4): 293–376

    Google Scholar 

  51. Gu J Y, Fang H, Jiang L Z. The significance of Ordovician reef discovery in Tarim Basin. Petrol Explor Dev, 2001, 28(4): 1–3

    Google Scholar 

  52. Xie X A, Wu Q Z, Lu H F. Tectonic framework and sedimentary feature of the Tarim Basin in Paleozoic. Acta Sed Sin (in Chinese), 1997, 15(1): 152–155

    Google Scholar 

  53. Feng Z Z, Bao Z D, Wu M B, et al. Cambrian and Ordovician Litho-Facies and Paleo-Geography in Tarim Region. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2005. 1–183

    Google Scholar 

  54. Li D L, Zhang D Q. The characteristics and evolution of Sinian-Ordovician continental rift in the northern trough of Tarim Basin. J Changchun Univ Sci Techn (in Chinese), 2001, 31(2): 136–141

    Google Scholar 

  55. He D F, Bai W M, Meng Q R. Geodynamic evolution and petroleum system cycle of Tarim Basin. Chin J Geophys (in Chinese), 1998, 4(Suppl): 77–87

    Google Scholar 

  56. Zhang Y C. Analysis of Proto-Type Basins of Petroliferous Basins in China (in Chinese). Nanjing: Nanjing University Press, 1997. 3–26

    Google Scholar 

  57. Xu X H. The significance of the analysis of Tarim Paleozoic prototype basins in oil and gas exploration. Oil Gas Geol (in Chinese), 2002, 23(3): 224–228

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Energy Resources School, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China

    He DengFa & Yang XiaoFa

  2. PetroChina Tarim Oilfield Company, Korla, 841000, China

    Zhou XinYuan

  3. Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Beijing, 100083, China

    Zhang ChaoJun

Authors
  1. He DengFa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhou XinYuan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhang ChaoJun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yang XiaoFa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to He DengFa.

Additional information

Supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB202300)

About this article

Cite this article

He, D., Zhou, X., Zhang, C. et al. Tectonic types and evolution of Ordovician proto-type basins in the Tarim region. Chin. Sci. Bull. 52 (Suppl 1), 164–177 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-6010-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-6010-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation