Abstract: Based on magnetotelluric sounding results in combination with regional geology, the authors analyzed structural framework, structure and stratigraphic distribution of southern Tuquan Basin. The results show that the Tuquan Basin is a superimposed basin, in which Mesozoic strata were developed on the basis of late Paleozoic marine sedimentary basin, and late Paleozoic structure probably controlled Mesozoic sedimentation. The Tuquan Basin might be a compression type basin developed in the front of the overthrust nappe belt, and the two suites of low-resistance beds ( Hongqi Formation and lower Permian strata) might be the potential hydrocarbon-produ-cing strata.