Abstract: In this study, we carried out a comprehensive study on the geostructure, petrogenesis and evolution of the Baijiahai uplift using the latest drilling and high-resolution seismic, chronological and paleontological data in combination with basin's outcrop data. Through detailed interpretation of seismic profiles, truncation and overlap tracking as well as balanced section technology, we obtained the following four main results: (1) The Baijiahai uplift develops upward deep and shallow fault systems, where the deep fault system consists of a series of normal faults with the same trend, controlling the development of the Carboniferous fault depression mainly in the NE- and NNE- directions. The overall geological structure of the Baijiahai uplift shows a “vertical layering, horizontal zoning” characteristics. (2) The tectonic evolution in the Baijiahai area can be divided into six stages: i) Early Carboniferous “depression - fault depression - depression” cycle; ii) Late Carboniferous “depression - fault depression - depression” cycle; iii) Early - Middle Permian compression and reversal tectonic; iv) Permian - Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation depositional period stable burial; v) Middle Jurassic Toutunhe Formation sedimentary period to Late Jurassic transformation; and vi) Cretaceous to present adjustment and setting. (3) Two structural tectonic events occurred at the end of the Early Carboniferous and Late Carboniferous, respectively, resulting in two regional unconformities. (4) The Carboniferous fault depression is an arc-related fault depression, where the “roll - back” effect from the northern Tianshan Ocean subduction process created a tensional environment inside the arc, thus providing a possible deep dynamic mechanism for the development of fault depression herein.

Key words: geological structure, structural evolution, genesis model, Carboniferous, Baijiahai uplift, Junggar Basin