“…The MXN sub-sag, nestled within the prolific hydrocarbon terrain of the Bohai Sea area, forms an integral part of the sedimentary tectonic framework of the Bohai Bay Basin (BBB). This Cenozoic basin, stretched along China's eastern coast, encompasses a vast expanse, estimated at approximately 200,000 km 2 , and is noted for its complex rifted structure shaped through multi-phase tectonic evolutions (Lu et al, 1997;Chi and Zhao, 2000;Hao et al, 2007;Schlische and Withjack, 2009;Henza et al, 2010;Yin, 2010;Zuo et al, 2011;Xu et al, 2014;Chang et al, 2018;Song et al, 2019;Jin et al, 2020;Ye et al, 2020;Yu et al, 2020) (Figure 1A). Enveloped by ancient uplifts such as Yan Shan, Taihang Shan, Jiaoliao, and Luxi, the BBB is dissected into multiple subbasins and uplifts, including Liaodong Bay, Liaohe, Bozhong, and others, housing significant hydrocarbon reserves (Hao et al, 2009;Li et al, 2017;Shi et al, 2019;Yu et al, 2020;Zeng et al, 2022).…”