Isotopic signature of methane as tracer of origins: The effect of post genetic fractionations
Conference
·
OSTI ID:126558
- IFP, Rueil-Malmaison (France)
Isotopes measured in hydrocarbon gases have been recognized as a powerful indicator to distinguish gases (mainly methane) generated by thermal cracking, from gases generated by bacterial activity. Some new field observations, and an experiment of methane transport by diffusion through shales impregnated with water, suggest that a severe isotopic fractionation can be induced by such transport processes. The diffused methane is lighter in {delta}{sup 13}C by 11 delta units, when the hydrogen isotopic ratios becomes heavier, from 40 to 0 delta units. If these results are plotted in the usual diagrams setting apart thermogenic from biogenic origins for methane, a purely thermogenic methane, after such a transport process, will fall in the biogenic field or mixing field. The implications of such an observation might be very important when deciphering the origins of gases and might imply to revisit previous interpretations (relative importance of biogenic versus thermogenic methane).
- OSTI ID:
- 126558
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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