Characteristics of deep structures, identification of paleo uplifts and exploration significance in Persian Gulf Basin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2025.05.005

Abstract

Abstract: The deep paleo uplifts in Persian Gulf Basin controlled the development of giant low-amplitude anticlines, which further controlled the formation of world-class large oil and gas fields. It is urgent to delineate the distribution of deep paleo uplifts and faults, and analyze their control over oil and gas distribution. Based on the wavelet analysis of high precision EGM free air gravity data, 36 paleo uplifts have been identified in Central Arabian, Rub’ al-Khali and Zagros sub-basins, which are classified into three stages based on their formation and evolution processes, i.e., Precambrian, Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous, and Miocene–Pliocene. The first and second stages of paleo uplifts controlled the development of the Precambrian–Devonian anticlinal traps, the Devonian truncated unconformity–lithologic traps, and the Periman–Cretaceous anticlinal traps. While the third stage of paleo uplifts controlled the development of the Miocene–Pliocene drape anticlinal traps. By combining with the configuration relationship of hydrocarbon accumulation conditions in Persian Gulf Basin, favorable exploration areas have been predicted, including 16 oil and gas reservoirs in the Paleozoic, 26 oil and gas reservoirs in the Jurassic and 16 oil and gas reservoirs in the Cretaceous. This study provides reference for deep oil and gas exploration in Persian Gulf and similar basins.

Key words: free air gravity, deep structure, oil and gas distribution, control effect, Persian Gulf Basin

CLC Number:

TE122

Gao Min, Zhang Zhongmin, Wang Tong, Wu Gaokui, Cao Zhe, Shi Danni. Characteristics of deep structures, identification of paleo uplifts and exploration significance in Persian Gulf Basin[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2025, 30(5): 56-67.

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