Based on the plentiful data of drilling wells and outcrops, the sedimentary characteristics and palaeogeography of the Early Cretaceous have been analyzed. Continental alluvial(or pluvial)fan facies, fan delta facies, braided fluvial delta facies and lacustrine facies were developed in the Lower Cretaceous. They were widely distributed throughout the Lower Cretaceous. Sedimentary systems are dominated by three types: alluvial fan-fan delta, braided fluvial delta, and shallow lacustrine.In the Tarim Basin, Early Cretaceous deposition occurred in two areas: northeastern and southwestern part. The basin was an inland separated depressional basin with arid and oxygenative climate conditions. During the deposition of the Kapushaliang Group in the early Early Cretaceous, shallow lacustrine basin with multi-provenances develop in the northeastern area of the Tarim Basin. The sediments were controlled by four provenances surrounding the basin. The topography of the basin was higher in the south, and lower in the north, and higher in the east, lower in the west. There were mainly alluvial fan, fan-delta, and braided fluvial delta in the basin margin, and lacustrine facies in the hinterland of the basin. During the deposition of the Bashijiqike Formation in the late Early Cretaceous, a new tectonic activity period occurred in the margins of the Tarim Basin. The palaeoclimate was more torrid and arid. The lacustrine basin disappeared. Controlled by the four provenances, the extensive coarse grain alluvial fan and braided fluvial delta systems were mainly developed in the northeastern Tarim Basin. The topography of the southwestern Tarim Basin was higher in the west and lower in the east during the deposition of the Kezilesu Group. Controlled by the two provenances in the north of Kashi Mountain and palaeo-Kunlun Mountain, the sediments were distributed in the front of palaeo-Kunlun Mountain in a long and narrow belt. Mainly alluvial fan—fan-delta—shore-shallow lacustrine facies were developed, with thickness decreasing from west to east.
GIA Jin-Hua. Sedimentary characteristics and palaeogeography of the Early Cretaceous in Tarim Basin[J]. JOURNAL OF PALAEOGEOGRAPHY, 2009, 11(2): 167-176.
GIA Jin-Hua. Sedimentary characteristics and palaeogeography of the Early Cretaceous in Tarim Basin[J]. JOPC, 2009, 11(2): 167-176.