Reconstruction of the proto-type basin and tectono-paleogeography of Tarim Block in the Mesozoic

The reconstruction of the proto-type basin and tectono-paleogeography Tarim Basin during Mesozoic is crucial for hydrocarbon exploration, particularly identifying source rocks. This study reconstructs position, thickness, distribution original stratigraphy, shortening amount by structural deformation, sedimentary facies in each period using paleomagnetic data, residual stratigraphy seismic profiles, lithofacies distribution. During Triassic period, a syn-collision thrust fault structure formed southern Block due to successive collision Tianshuihai-Bayankara terrane, North Qiangtang South terrane with Block. strata mainly distributed Northern Depression Kuqa Depression, their centers continuously moved northward. In Early-Middle Jurassic, faulted basins representing post-collision extensional structures developed on margins Late was compressed, transformed into depressional downwarped red coarse clastic sediments Amdo-Dongkacuo microcontinent late Early Cretaceous, between Lhasa caused entire uplift Block, which stopped accepting deposition except marine southwestern influenced large-scale transgression event. complex evolution Paleo-Tethys Neo-Tethys Oceans significantly sediment features Basin.