Evolution of the Cryogenian cratonic basins in China, paleo-oceanic environment and hydrocarbon generation mechanism of ancient source rocks, and exploration potential in 10,000 m-deep strata

Deep and ancient strata are significant successor fields for future oil and gas exploration. Recently, a unit of thick high-quality interglacial black rock series was discovered between two sets of Cryogenian tillites in China. As a potential effective petroleum source rock, this rock series has drawn wide attention but is yet to be fully investigated. The formation mechanism, distribution, and hydrocarbon generation potential of the interglacial source rock remains unclear, hindering the estimation of the exploration potential in the Cryogenian.