Hydrocarbon distribution in sedimentary basins of Northeastern Asia

Most sedimentary basins in Northeastern Asia, with proved or probable oil-gas occurrences are marine or near-shore shelf basins. They are concentrated within the West Pacific transition zone. This article analyzes conditions and particulars of hydrocarbon target localization here at different levels, including a zonal level. Those conditions and particulars are associated with the zoneʹs structure and evolution. Main elements of the zoneʹs Okhotsk-Beringian segment are: arc-trough system structures; back-arc basins; the Okhotsk mega-depression with its folding-associated, plunge-associated and graben-associated depressions; a Beringian quasi-plate, which is a passive element of the active margin; and Kamchatka, Sakhalin and Koryak uplandsʹ folded Cenozoic structures. The article introduces basin classification by resource abundance as it is determined by their belonging to the above main elements, by their structure, evolution and morphogenetic features of the transition zone as a whole.