Petroleum geology and hydrocarbon potential in the Zhezkazgan region of the Chu-Sarysu Basin,Kazakhstan

The examination of petroleum geology is based on the hydrocarbon generation,reservoir quality,and source-reservoir-seal associations in the Carboniferous strata as the main target strata in the Zhezkazgan region of the Chu-Sarysu Basin,Kazakhstan.The Lower Carboniferous source rocks with greater thickness are characterized by higher abundance and maturity of organic matter,and thus have great potential of hydrocarbon generation.The reservoir rocks dominantly consist of two types: pore-type and fissure-type.The seal rocks are composed of the Carboniferous and Permian strata.Four source-reservoir-seal associations are recognized in the study area.Two prospects include the western depression and eastern uplift,and four most favourable structures for hydrocarbon accumulation include West Anticline Structure,Kezerkak Structure,Talap Structure and Central Sarysu Structure.