Abstract: The Mesozoic group in the Lower Yangtze area possesses the features of both marine and continental basinal deposits,and develops marine and continental hydrocarbon source rock,respectively.The Lower Triassic marine source rock is the most favorable one in the Lower Yangtze area,and the continental deposit has certain hydrocarbon-generating potential.Indosinian-Yanshanian movement greatly reforms proto-marine basins,takes significant effect on the preservation of marine hydrocarbon traps,and meanwhile has important control over continental source rock.However,the prospects for hydrocarbon exploration are still good in the areas with relatively weak tectonic movement,especially in some major Mesozoic basins within the area.