Marine Hydrocarbon Accumulation Conditions and Exploration Direction in the Northeastern Margin of Awati Depression, Tarim Basin, NW China

ABSTRACT The exploration of deep marine petroleum in the northeastern margin of the Awati Depression, Tarim Basin, NW China, offers significant potential despite its relatively low exploration maturity. Analysis of the regional geological background, exploration status and reservoir‐forming conditions reveals key insights. Multiple marine source rocks, particularly the high‐quality Lower Cambrian Yuertus Formation, underwent primary hydrocarbon generation during the late Hercynian period, indicating substantial accumulation potential. Well‐developed fault systems control hydrocarbon distribution, facilitating the formation of diverse marine carbonate reservoirs, including fault‐controlled fractured, fault‐dissolution dual‐control, and karst‐weathering crust types. These reservoirs exhibit distinct geological and fluid flow characteristics, leading to an orderly distribution of oil and gas accumulations. Exploration should prioritise karst‐weathering‐crust‐type reservoirs in uplifted areas, while targeting strike‐slip fault zones with seismic anomalies in low‐uplift or slope regions. This study clarifies the formation conditions and exploration direction for deep marine reservoirs in the Awati Depression, providing a theoretical basis for future exploration and enhancing the success rate in this promising frontier.