| Summary: | Based on the seismic, drilling, cores and outcrops data, the formation of basins, source rocks and hydrocarbon accumulations in the southern South China Sea (SSCS) were systematically analyzed to reveal the petroleum geological features of continental margin basins and summarize the distribution rule of oil and gas in the SSCS. The results show that the South China Sea (SCS) has experienced three tectonic stages, namely, the formation and development of proto-SCS, the subduction of proto-SCS and development of neo-SCS, the rapid subsidence and shrinking of SCS. The tectonic evolution of proto-SCS and neo-SCS controlled the regional tectonic pattern of continental margin in the SSCS, forming southern and northern basin belts, and also dominated the formation of basins, source rocks and hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics. The source rocks were mainly Miocene coal source rocks in the southern basin belt, with different thermal evolution degree, and the near-shore source rock was chiefly oil-generating while the off-shore source rock was mainly gas-generating. Compressive folding structural belts and reefs were the favorable belts. Within the northern basin belt, the source rocks were gas-prone and dominated by the Eocene to Oligocene, with high thermal evolution degree. Reefs and faulted blocks were the major accumulation areas. Our study demonstrates that the continental marginal basins of SSCS still have great exploration potential and is an important strategic area of oil and gas exploration and development. The southern basin belt focuses on oil and gas exploration and the northern basin belt focuses on gas exploration. Key words: proto-South China Sea, neo-South China Sea, tectonic evolution, tectonic cycle, continental margin, sedimentary facies, basin formation, hydrocarbon accumulation
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