Discussion on the abilities of thermal indicators in reconstructing thermal history of sedimentary basin

On the basis of analyses of forward and inversion results of some synthetic thermal models. Two thermal indicators vitrinite reflectance and apatite f ission track are discussed on their ability in reconstructing thermal histo ry of sedimentary basin. The results show that the two thermal indicators a re not able to give the whole thermal history. Vitrinite reflectance can on ly reveal the maximum paleotemperature, which samples experienced, and apat ite fission can be used to reconstruct the recent cooling history. The two thermal indicators can reinforce each other. It is emphasized that the abov e result is dependent upon their own maturation mechanisms. In practice, it is necessary to consider the tectonic evolution of studied area and combin e these two methods with other means to obtain more reliable: thermal infor mation.