Episodic thrusting and sequence-sedimentary responses and their petroleum geological significance in Kuqa foreland basin, NW China

This study integrates field outcrop profiles, drilling cores, 2D seismic profiles, and 3D seismic data of key areas to analyze the Triassic tectonic-sequence stratigraphy in the Kuqa foreland basin, and investigates the impact of episodic thrust structures on sedimentary evolution and source rock distribution. (1) The Kuqa foreland basin has experienced stages of initial strong, weakened activities, relaxation and inactivity of episodic thrusting, resulting in the identification of 4 second-order sequences (Ehebulake Formation, Karamay Formation, Huangshanjie Formation, Taliqike Formation) and 11 third-order sequences (SQ1–SQ11) in the Triassic strata. Each sequence or secondary sequence displays a “coarse at the bottom and fine at the top” pattern due to the influence of secondary episodic thrust activity. (2) The episodic thrusting is closely linked to regional sequence patterns, deposition and source rock formation and distribution. The sedimentary evolution in the Triassic progresses from fan delta to braided river delta, lake, braided river delta, and meandering river delta, corresponding to the initial strong to the inactivity stages of episodic thrusting. The development stage of thick, coarse-grained sandy conglomerate reservoirs aligns with the strong to weakened thrust activities, while the source rock formation period coincides with the relaxation to inactivity stages. (3) Controlled by the intensity and stages of episodic thrust activity, the nearly EW trending thrust fault significantly thickened the footwall source rock during the Huangshanjie Formation, becoming the development center of Triassic source rock, and experienced multiple overthrust nappes in the soft stratum of the source rock, showing “stacked style” distribution. (4) The deep layers of the Kuqa foreland basin have the foundation and conditions necessary for the formation of substantial gas reservoirs, capable of forming various types of reservoirs such as self-generating and self-storing lithology, lower generating and upper storing fault block-lithology, and stratigraphic unconformity. This area holds significant importance for future gas exploration efforts aimed at enhancing reserves and production capabilities.