Abstract:The central anticline belt in the Xihu sag: is a key area for hydrocarbon accumulation. However, previous studies have paid limited attention to low-amplitude-weak inversion anticline structures in this region. These structures differ significantly from the widely developed high-amplitude-strong inversion anticlines in terms of their genesis and evolution. Based on the latest 3D seismic data, this study conducts a detailed structural analysis of the H and Q anticlines in the low-amplitude-weak inversion anticline zone. It reveals their genesis, evolution, and impact on hydrocarbon accumulation. The research shows that low-amplitude-weak inversion anticline structures formed as cover anticlines during the rift phase under a paleo-uplift background and were finalized by compression-inversion during the Longjing Movement. These structures have a "early extension-late weak compression" composite genesis. During the extension phase, the early cover anticline morphology and flower-like fault systems formed simultaneously. Moreover, the intensity of tertiary fault activity in the wings of the anticline has always been greater than in the core of the anticline throughout the structural evolution process. Based on the new understanding of the evolution of low-amplitude-weak inversion anticline structures, this study identifies favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation: "paleo-uplift background and cover anticline-controlled hydrocarbon migration and accumulation," "structure-lithologic traps controlled by extension-compression interaction," and "key hydrocarbon accumulation periods with source-fault-sand configurations in the wings of the anticline." These factors highlight the exploration potential for structure-lithologic gas reservoirs in the wings of the anticline. This research deepens the understanding of hydrocarbon enrichment patterns in inversion structures in the central anticline belt and has played a key role in breaking through natural gas exploration in the southern part of Xihu sag.