Applications of Basin Formation, Hydrocarbon Generation, and Accumulation Theory

In traditional petroleum geology theory, sedimentary basins are regarded as principal geological units as long as hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation have taken place, regardless of their size, morphology, and genetic type. Therefore, all petroliferous basins are featured with the same or similar petroleum geological evolution processes and characteristics. Based on statistical data and comprehensive analysis of 98 Meso-Cenozoic petroliferous basins (or depressions), common features of hydrocarbon and reservoir formation can be summarized although these basins differ greatly in genetic type, size, and morphological characteristics.