The study explores the abundant oil and gas reserves in the Carboniferous of the southwestern Tarim Basin

with a specific focus on the source rocks of the Carboniferous Kalashayi Formation. By conducting kerogen identification

total organic carbon（TOC） testing

and thermal simulation

the research revealed that these mudstone source rocks primarily consist of Type Ⅲ kerogen. Their TOC ranged from 0.2% to 2.8%

averaging 1.0%. The thermal maturity of the rocks

indicated by a vitrinite reflectance（

R

o

） greater than 0.7%

varied across different areas. The hydrocarbon generation history of these source rocks was also examined. In the Magaiti slope

the rocks underwent two phases of hydrocarbon generation: one during the Late Hercynian peri

od and another during the Himeyama period. In contrast

in the Bachu bulge

there was only one hydrocarbon generation phase

occurring during the Late Hercynian period. The source rocks in the Magaiti slope are considered mature and are still generating hydrocarbons

influenced by factors such as source rock thickness

TOC

maturity

and the history of hydrocarbon generation and excretion. Furthermore

the source rocks in the western piedmont zone were identified as having the best quality and the highest hydrocarbon generation intensity.