The Hutubi gas field is the largest field discovered in the Southern Junggar foreland sub-basin at present. The origin and generation of gas in the field have been discussed based on the geochemical data. The carbon isotopic composition of methane and ethane in the Hutubi gas field is relatively enriched in (13)C with delta(13)C(1) values ranging from -32.8%. to -30.5 parts per thousand (average value = -31.2 parts per thousand) and delta(13)C(2) values ranging between -23.0 parts per thousand and -21.6 parts per thousand. (average value = -22.0%.). The hydrogen isotope is lighter with delta D(1) from -200 parts per thousand to -196 parts per thousand. Methylcyclohexane is abundant and the content is the highest among C(7) light hydrocarbons, ranging from 49.6% to 59.4%, with an average value of 55.5%. The delta(13)C values of individual C(6)-C(7) light hydrocarbons are heavier with the delta(13)C values from -25.2 parts per thousand to -17.9 parts per thousand. The results show that gas in the Hutubi field is coal-derived gas and sourced from the Middle and Lower Jurassic coal measures. The result of gas generation kinetics from Jurassic coal measures show that the gas generation began 10 Ma and the methane generation transformation ratio is very high (up to 87%) at present The time of gas generation is consistent with that of the Hutubi structural trap and shows that the formation time of the Hutubi gas field is very late. It is concluded that gas preservation in the Southern Junggar foreland sub-basin is excellent and gas exploration potential is favorable. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.