Oceanic and continental framework of Early Cambrian period in Tarim area

Abstract：The Early Cambrian（corresponding to Terreneuvian and Series 2）is an important sedimentary period of marine source rocks in Tarim area．Researches on the framework of ocean and continent in Tarim area will help estimate the potential resources of the rocks．Based on previous studies，the authors investigated and analyzed 13 outcrops and 10 borehole sections，and consulted some seismic sections．By means of an analysis of stratigraphic and petrologic characteristics，the map for oceanic and continental framework and tectonic-sedimentary environment of Tarim area was compiled．It is pointed out that the area around Tiemenguan was a micro-landmass．The authors consider that both Tiemenguan micro-landmass and North Kuluketage underwater platform belonged to North Tarim passive continental margin．Furthermore，the authors divided the Tarim epeiric sea basin into different sedimentary environment areas on the basis of new data．