As a typical "cold basin", the Tarim Basin's low geothermal field characteristics play a crucial controlling role in hydrocarbon accumulation and ultra-deep oil and gas resource exploration. This study systematically analyzes the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of the basin's low geothermal field: horizontally, it exhibits a pattern of "higher in uplift areas, lower in depression areas" with a current average geothermal gradient of 18~21 °C/km and terrestrial heat flow of 35~45 mW/m2; vertically, the geothermal gradient in the deep carbonate section (~14 °C/km) is significantly lower than that in the shallow clastic section (~22 °C/km); historically, the geothermal gradient briefly rebounded due to Late Paleozoic magmatic activity before continuously declining to ~20 °C/km since the Mesozoic. The low geothermal field is controlled by multi-factor coupling of lithospheric thermal structure, deep dynamics, and sedimentary cover: the fundamental cause is the "cold mantle-cold crust" lithospheric thermal structure; long-term lithospheric cooling since the cessation of Permian magmatism and Cenozoic tectonic compression-induced obstruction of heat diffusion intensified the low-temperature background; the thick Cenozoic sedimentary cover forms a thermal blanket, further suppressing near-surface temperature rise. Geothermal differences among tectonic units are governed by basement burial depth, tectonic activity intensity, and sedimentary filling differentiation. The low geothermal field and high-pressure system in the deep to ultra-deep basin prolong the hydrocarbon generation window, allowing liquid hydrocarbons to exist even at 9,000 m depth. By systematically reviewing previous studies, this paper clarifies the formation and differentiation mechanisms of the low geothermal field, providing a geothermal basis for deep to ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.
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