Abstract: The Shuntuoguole uplift in the Tarim Basin was formed in the middle stage of Caledonian. In the early stage of Early Cambrian, the Yuertusi Formation slope-shelf facies source rocks were formed. During the Early Cambrian-Middle Ordovician, carbonate sedimentary formations with thickness up to 3000 m were developed, and multiphase sea level fluctuation contributed to the formation of exposed karst reservoirs. Meanwhile, during the Caledonian-Hercynian, multiphase faulting activities occurred, which were favorable for fracture development and fluid reformation to form multiple types of reservoirs. The very thick mudstones deposited during the Late Ordovician can act as regional cap rocks. In the Shuntuoguole uplift, a complete source-reservoir-cap-rock assemblage exists in the Lower Palaeozoic, suggesting it a prospect of hydrocarbon accumulation. The oil and gas exploration at the earlier stage focused on the Shaya and Katake uplifts, while the deeply-buried Shuntuoguole uplift was not thoroughly understood. Further basic studies reveal that the Shuntuoguole uplift is in the low geothermal environment for a long term. During the Himalayan, the Lower Cambrian source rocks were generating condensate oil-natural gas, implying the favorable conditions for the formation of large oil and gas fields with late-stage accumulation. The Cambrian – Middle-Lower Ordovician carbonate rocks are the most important targets. Based on the seismic technology R&D for ultra-deep zones in desert areas, targets were selected for well drilling. Great breakthrough has been made. A giant oil and gas field in the Shuntuoguole uplift is taking shape. It is promising to realize a continuous oil and gas pattern in central and northern Tarim Basin.

Key words: Tarim Basin, Shuntuoguole uplift, Ordovician, carbonate rock, ultra-deep formation, oil and gas breakthrough