Abstract:

This paper analyzes the tectonic background of the Sikeshu and Dushanzi mud volcanoes, and points out that under
the effect of water pressure difference caused by the terrain of Meso-Cenozoic sediments in the northern Tianshan, the rich
groundwater rises along the fault zone developed at the anticline top and meets with clay rocks around the passage. Then the
mud is formed and erupts to the surface as the mud volcanoes. The paper also studies chromatogram of oil and biomarkers of the
associated oil seepages in Sikeshu and Dushanzi mud volcanoes. Comparing with the geochemical characteristics of potential
source rocks and the previous results, we suggest that all samples are mature and probably are the mixed production of Jurassic
and Tertiary oil sources. This study provides important clues to the oil and gas exploration in southern Junggar Basin.

Key words: mud volcano, southern Junggar Basin, structural characteristics, geochemical analyses of oil seepages, hydrocarbon significance