Tectono-sedimentary environment and lithofacies paleogeographic pattern of the Xiaqiulitage Formation in the Tarim Basin, NW China

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.3.77

Abstract

Abstract:

The Upper Cambrian Xiaqiulitage Formation in the Tarim Basin represents a critical stratigraphic target for hydrocarbon exploration and development. Reconstructing its tectono-sedimentary paleogeographic framework provides essential geological constraints for optimizing exploration strategies. Integrating comprehensive investigations of orogenic belts and paleo-plate configurations with analyses of geological outcrops, drilling cores, seismic profiles, and geochemical datasets, this study systematically examines the tectonic evolution of peripheral mountain systems, basin-scale depositional architecture, and their spatiotemporal coupling mechanisms during the Xiaqiulitage Formation period. During Late Cambrian, the Tarim Block experienced bidirectional subduction dynamics with oceanic plate consumption along both the North Kunlun and North Altyn continental margins, creating a distinctive “south-compressional, north-extensional” peripheral tectonic regime. Intra-basin deposition maintained the Early-Middle Cambrian “western platform - eastern basin” configuration, comprising Western Shallow-Water Carbonate Platform, Eastern Deep-Water Basin and Luoxi Carbonate Platform (eastern margin). The platform-basin transition occurred through rimmed carbonate platform margin and slope system. The Manxi Platform Margin demonstrated initial vertical accretion followed by eastward progradation into the basin. Platform interior architecture featured two uplifts and two depressions, with alternating restricted and open marine environments. The Shunnan and Southwest slopes hosted intra-platform depressions, while the Tabei and Bachu uplifts developed submarine paleo-highs characterized by restricted tidal flats/lagoons encircled by high-energy shoal complexes. These shoal facies exhibit significant reservoir potential through penecontemporaneous karstification. The observed tectono-sedimentary differentiation reflects far-field stress propagation from arc-continent collisions along the North Altyn and North Kunlun margins, demonstrating cratonic interior responses to peripheral orogenic processes.

Key words: Tarim Basin, Xiaqiulitage Formation, tectono-sedimentary environment, Late Cambrian, lithofacies paleogeography

CLC Number:

ZHANG Xinlei, FANG Chengming, GAO Zhiqian, FENG Fan, ZHANG Jibiao, ZHOU Jiaquan. Tectono-sedimentary environment and lithofacies paleogeographic pattern of the Xiaqiulitage Formation in the Tarim Basin, NW China[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(5): 97-112.

Figures/Tables 14

Fig. 1 Tectonic units division (a) and Cambrian sequences (b) of the Tarim Basin. Modified from reference [9].

Fig.2 Seismic interpretation of the Cambrian strata in the Tarim Basin. See Figure 3 for the location of the survey line. Blue area is the Xiaqiulitage Formation.

Fig. 3 Contour map of the Xiaqiulitage Formation thickness and locations of seismic profiles in the Tarim Basin

Fig.4 Typical lithofacies of the Xiaqiulitage Formation in the Penglaiba outcrop

Fig.5 Typical lithofacies of rock thin sections and well cores of the Xiaqiulitage Formation, Tarim Basin

Fig.6 Column section of sequence and sedimentary facies from the Xiaqiulitage Formation (Bachu-Tazhong uplift)

Fig.7 Column section of sequence and sedimentary facies from the Xiaqiulitage Formation (Tabei uplift)

Fig.8 The seismic profile line of the Cambrian platform margin across the Tabei uplift (a for uninterpretation and b for interpretation)

Fig.9 Platform margin migration in the Tarim Basin during the Cambrian

Fig.10 Column section of sequence and sedimentary facies from the Xiaqiulitage Formation (platform margin and slope)

Fig.11 Column section of sequence and sedimentary facies from the Upper Cambrian in Well KT1

Fig.12 Sedimentary profile of the Xiaqiulitage Formation from Bachu to Keping to Tabei to Tadong in the Tarim Basin

Fig.13 Tectono-sedimentary evolution and coupling relationship between basins and orogenic belts in the Tarim Basin during the Cambrian

Fig.14 Tectono-lithofacies paleogeography of the Tarim Basin in the period of Xiaqiulitage Formation

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