Abstract: The Dunhuang Basin is generally superimposed on Dunhuang block in the eastern part of Tarim plate. So far, it has been less explored and investigated. Understanding the basin structure, including fault distribution, structural pattern and basement depth, can provide a geological basis for further comprehensive study on exploration. Based on the physical properties of outcrops, drilling/logging results and other geological data, the variations of rock, formation density and electrical properties were identified. The layered model was combined with the continuation technique to eliminate electric distortion caused by terrains, thus deriving more accurate electromagetic inversion results. The gravity linear-gradient zones were extracted from gravity data using the total horizontal gradient technique to enhance the linear characteristics of faults within the basin. The basement depth was analyzed with the Parker inversion method. The results show that:in the Dunhuang Basin, there are three sets of density and electrical layers. The regional faults control the structural pattern of alternate uplifts and sags. And Wudun sag has the deepest basement, which is the most favorable depocenter.

Key words: Dunhuang Basin, gravity anomaly, electrical structure, fault distribution, basement structure