Concept, principle, model and significance of the fault controlling hydrocarbon theory

Based on discussions about the tectonic background and the relationship between faulting and petroleum accumulation in Chinese continental basins, this paper introduces the basic concepts, principles, scientific foundation, an exploration of fault controlling hydrocarbon theory as well as the differences between fault controlling hydrocarbon theory and other viewpoints about fault controlling petroleum. The geologic tectonic backgrounds of compression from three directions, continental facies basin, extension in east and compression in west, developed faults and frequent tectonic movement suggests that faulting is the main reason for various geological processes that influence petroleum generation, migration, accumulation and distribution in Chinese oil-bearing basins. The exploration concept based on fault controlling hydrocarbon theory is: take faults as the main control factor, find hydrocarbon controlling faults such as source-controlling faults and trap-controlling faults as well as seal faults, analyze their petroleum migration and accumulation potential, evaluate trap properties and determine the exploration targets.