Abstract
Purpose. To study the paleogeographic situation of the Shu-Sarysu sedimentary basin and its relationship with the accumulation of hydrocarbons. Methodology. Analysis of lithological and paleogeographic maps, starting from Devonian time (D3fm) and ending with the Upper Permian period (P2), compiled by U. Akchulakov, H. H. Paragulkov, geological and geophysical databases (seismic, gravity, magnetic exploration) on proven hydrocarbon accumulations to assess the detection of possible promising areas of the Shu-Sarysu sedimentary basin. Findings. The regularities of hydrocarbon accumulation obtained based on a comparative analysis of open deposits and promising areas within the Shu-Sarysu geotraverse are justified by the fact that the accumulation of hydrocarbons occurred in zones that, as a result of paleogeographic evolution, are distinguished as territories belonging to alluvial-delta plains periodically flooded by the sea, salt lagoons. Originality. As a result of the conducted studies using actual data, a forecast assessment of the prospects for the presence of hydrocarbon deposits at sites within the Shu-Sarysu geotraverse was obtained. Practical value. Forecast is substantiated of the possibility of detecting hydrocarbon accumulations in areas previously assessed as ones of little or no promise in the Shu-Sarysu sedimentary basin.