Structural Characteristics and Exploration Prospects of North-Kunlun Faults Zone in Qaidam Basin
柴达木盆地昆北断阶带构造特征及油气前景初步评价

The North-Kunlun faults zone is a slope zone which is formed and developed in Cenozoic Era, and it has the features of different zones in north and south, different parts in east and west, and different formations above and below formation, and it effects this area so much that the local structures have quite different reservoir forming conditions in different parts. The hydrocarbon exploration mostly consider some structural unit as the basic research target because they have closer basement, structural, deposit characteristics and similar controlling factors of reservoir\|formation, thus it is favorable to guide the exploration direction and deployment on the basis of the division of structural unit. So, based on seismic, drilling, and logging data, and according to the rolling shape of basement structure, faults distribution and their combination characteristics, the North-Kunlun faults zone can be divided into six structural sub\|units , which are: west slope belt, central folding belt, north folding belt, east folding belt, Dongchaishan folding belt and north slope belt. By investigating their geological background and faults combination, and the prospect evaluation is also carried out, which indicates that the west slope zone is the more favorable area for present hydrocarbon exploration, the north slope belt is the favorable exploration succeed area. Thus, the conclusion will be helpful for the research of hydrocarbon formation and further hydrocarbon exploration in North-Kunlun area.