Abstract: The successive discoveries in Wells Zhongshen 1, Ketan 1 (by Jingneng) and Luntan 1 demonstrate the great exploration
potential of Cambrian subsalt dolomite reservoir. However, the low level of understandings on the distribution of source
rocks and reservoirs due to the unclear understandings of sedimentary evolution and sedimentary facies leads to the failure of
some exploratory wells. In this study, the tectonic and sedimentary evolutions from the Nanhua period to Cambrian are discussed
and new sedimentary facies maps of key formations compiled based on new high-precision seismic data, so as to determine the
distribution of source rock, reservoir and caprock of Cambrian subsalt play, and guide the selection of exploration targets. Tarim
Basin has experienced three stages of large-scale tectonic movements, namely the Tarim movement, the Kuruktag movement and
the Keping movement, resulting three major unconformities at base Nanhua, Sinian and Cambrian, which control the three deposition structures of Nanhua rift-depression, Sinian depression-carbonate platform and Cambrian ramp-carbonate platform. The
evolution of tectonic uplifting has experienced the process of “two uplifts and three depressions” in the Nanhua period,
“continuous uplifting” in the Sinian and “horseshoe-shaped uplift” in the Cambrian. Guided by the sedimentary facies maps, it is
proposed that source rocks controlled by three inherited depressions are extensively deposited, two sets of dolomite reservoirs are
widely developed controlled by two inherited uplifts, and caprocks are widespread in the evaporating salt rock development area
of the Middle Cambrian. The peripheral area of Lunnan Uplift and Tazhong-Gucheng area are favorable plays for subsalt
exploration, and the peripheral areas of Awati Slope and Hetianhe Gasfield are potential exploration targets.