Progress in geological survey and petroleum exploration of Carboniferous-Permian strata in northern China

In the past ten years, the geological and petroleum survey in Carboniferous-Permian strata in northern China (Tianshan-Xingmeng tectonic belt) has obtained some new views in the aspects of stratigraphic subdivision and correlation, sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary filling and system, tectonic deformation in basic geological fields, and the Carboniferous-Permian source rock evaluation. The Tianshan-Xingmeng tectonic belt is composed of a series of superimposed basins of Carboniferous-Permian and Mesozoic strata. That means the Mesozoic basins are superimposed basins developed on the undeformed Carboniferous-Permian strata. Carboniferous-Permian good source rocks were formed in sedimentary basins and their peripheral geological bodies. New discoveries and breakthroughs have been continuously obtained in Junggar, Santanghu, Turpan, and Yingen-Ejin basins. Petroleum information from Erlian and Songliao basins has been reported. Carboniferous-Permian strata in northern China have good oil and gas geological conditions and resource prospect, which can become a new field of oil and gas exploration strategy.