Formation, Evolution and Petroleum Prospects of Central Asia and its Adjacent Regions

Abstract：Central Asia and its adjacent regions are located along a huge tectonic active belt between old blocks of Asian continent. Basins of various types are developed in this area. In the aspect of formation and evolution mechanism, single type basins like rift basins, foreland basins, and craton basins as well as their superimposed basins are developed. In formation ages, Precambrian, Palaeozoic and Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary basins are developed. Sedimentary basins of different types and ages are developed in different geotectonic backgrounds. The properties of their basements, basin formations, subsidence features, and structural and petroliferous characteristics show remarkable differences. The types and formation ages of the sedimentary basins are closely related to hydrocarbon distribution regularity and petroleum prospects. Rift valley sedimentary basins seem to have great potential of petroleum resources, whereas craton rift and depression basins have certain potential of petroleum resources.