Hydrocarbon Generation Kinetics and History of the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation in the Southwestern Tarim Basin Piedmont, Northwest China

Abstract Shale gas discovered in the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation (Well TNY1) confirms the hydrocarbon generation potential of the Southwestern Tarim Basin Piedmont (SWTBP), yet its hydrocarbon generation patterns, processes, and potential require clarification. This study conducts gold-tube pyrolysis experiments on Yangye shale to determine hydrocarbon generation rates and kinetic parameters, including activation energy and frequency factor. These data were integrated with basin modeling constrained by tectono-thermal history to reconstruct the hydrocarbon generation history. Results define a five-stage hydrocarbon generation model based on vitrinite reflectance (Ro). Modeling indicates two major hydrocarbon generation phases during the Middle Jurassic and Cretaceous, followed by cessation due to uplift and erosion. The maximum gas generation intensity reached 129.1×104 TOE/km2 and maximum oil generation intensity reaching 206.9×104 TOE/km2, indicating source rock conditions favorable for the formation of small- to medium-sized oil and gas fields. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for shale gas exploration strategies in the study area.