Cretaceous source rocks and associated oil and gas resources in the world and China: A review

摘要: The Cretaceous is one of the most important stratigraphic intervals for hydrocarbon source rocks. This article summarizes distribution, formation, and development characteristics rocks associated oil gas resources in world China, aiming at improving understanding this enrichment broadening domestic exploration. Outside these are generally formed marine or transgressive environments during both Upper Lower Cretaceous. majority located Persian Gulf, Mediterranean, Gulf Coast USA. Kerogen types within have distinct spatial distribution characteristics, with high-latitude Boreal Realm, Tethyan Realm South Gondwana containing type III, II, II–III kerogens, respectively. China can be mainly divided into four zones: Eastern, Central, Northwest, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau zones. Chinese Early Cretaceous, whereas productive developed such as those Songliao Basin. Most basins lacustrine environments, although some may been influenced by events. distinctive ways: 1) Oceanic Anoxic Events global sea-level rises, 2) Black Sea-type retention basins, 3) transgression 4) periods significant terrestrial input. Formation controlled factors: paleoclimate, paleotopography, transgression, Events. These major controlling factors indicate that China’s exploration should focus on two key areas extremely low levels, southeastern coast China.