The application of the apatite fission track dating to the geothermal history in the northern piedmont zone of the Turpan depression, (Xinjiang)

The geothermal history in the northern piedmont zone of the Turpan depression is treated by using the apatite fission track dating, with the emphasis on the Qia-1, Zhao-2 and Dabu-1 wells. The analyses show that the apatite fission track apparent ages are generally decreased with the increase of temperatures, and that the geothermal gradients display the trend of being higher in ancient times and lower in modern times, and higher in the eastern part and lower in the western part of the piedmont zone. The Triassic and Jurassic source rocks got matured during the Jurassic and went up to the maximum hydrocarbon production during the latest Jurassic. It follows that the northern piedmont zone of the Turpan depression may be selected as a prospective area of oil and gas.