Natural gas geology and exploration potential of the continental marginal deep-water areas in the Neo-Tethys tectonic domain

The deep-water basins within the continental margin of Neo-Tethys tectonic domain have been divided into three major sections. The coal-bearing strata serves as the primary hydrocarbon source rock, the marine shale is the secondary source rock. The marine delta sandstone and turbidite sandstone serve as the main reservoirs. The main caprocks are Lower Cretaceous shale and Neogene mudstone. Mainly controlled by the gradual closure and evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean from east to west, the gas accumulation assemblage is mainly rift assemblage in the Northwest Shelf of Australia. The gas accumulation assemblage is mainly rift generation with drift reservoir assemblages in the Eastern Mediterranean area. And there are both types mentioned above developing on the eastern and western continental margins of India. There are dual characteristics of imbalance and insufficiency of the deep-water oil and gas exploration in the continental margin of the Neo-Tethys tectonic domain. The exploration potential encompasses three key areas, including mature exploration areas, Semi mature exploration areas, and New exploration areas.