**4. Recommendations for exploration**

The focus of attention in the regional study should be placed on conducting exploration on local structures at the Shakhpakhty step, within which there is a deep plunge of the basement, the presence of thick strata of sedimentary cover and quasi-platform cover, and the increased positive anomalies of the thermal field were identified [21].

The integrated interpretation of data on the thermic field and the transformants of the gravity and magnetic fields, as well as aero gamma spectrometry (processed and interpreted by the thorium normalization method), suggest promising oil and gas prospects in local structures such as Utezhan, Kozhantai, Northern Kozhantai, and Otynshi. This is attributed to favorable historical-geological, structural, and lithofacies factors (**Table 3**).

The location of these local structures is given in the figures above in the text.

The CDP-3D seismic survey and deep exploratory drilling with obligatory penetration of sediments of the quasi-platform cover are recommended on these local structures in order to explore new hydrocarbons accumulations.
