Differential hydrocarbon enrichment and its major controlling factors in the southern Tethys Domain

Using the latest global datasets of hydrocarbon fields and reservoirs, this study systematically investigates the characteristics of differential hydrocarbon enrichment and its primary controlling factors in the southern Tethys Domain within the context of Tethys tectonic evolution. The results indicate that although the southern Tethys Domain comprises only one-third of the Tethys Domain in areal extent, it hosts nearly 80% of its total hydrocarbon reserves, exhibiting a markedly uneven distribution pattern. Specifically, the Middle East sub-segment is identified as the core enrichment area, with the Arabian Basin serving as a typical example. Through tectonic subdivision, classification of sedimentary basins, analysis of source rock distribution and reservoir-seal assemblages, as well as an integrated investigation of the relationship between succeeding paleo-uplifts and hydrocarbon enrichment, the study demonstrates that the superimposition patterns of prototype basins, the scale and distribution of source rocks, the effectiveness of reservoir-seal assemblages, and the basement paleo-uplifts are the key factors governing hydrocarbon enrichment in the southern Tethys Domain. The findings of this study provide valuable references for deeper understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation patterns in the central and northern Tethys Domain and even other global regions with similar geological settings, and offer a scientific basis for selection of favorable play fairways in the southern Tethys Domain.