This paper introduces the application of NOAA/AVHRR image data on oil & gas exploration in Jianghan Basin. The color composite image of band 5（R）

band 2（G）

and band 1（B） indicates the macrotectonics of the Basin clearly. From the unsupervising processing image of band 1

band 2 and band 4（32 types） the source rocks areas of the basin are defined. In the unsupervising processing image of band 1

band 2 and band 5（32 types）

three fundamental structures are interpreted

which control the oil & gas distribution. The mappimg of the Apparent Thermal Inertia （ATI） indicates that the oil & gas riching areas are mainly distributed between the biggest and smallest ATI areas.