Petroleum formation by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in plate tectonics

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA)

OSTI ID:5588854

Szatmari, P ^[1]

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1. Petrobras Research Center, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

A somewhat speculative hypothesis of petroleum genesis in the upper lithosphere is proposed, based on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This hypothesis is distinct from both the organic (biogenic) model and the inorganic model of hydrocarbon degassing from the Earth's interior. The hypothesis presented in this paper proposes that petroleum liquids form by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on magnetite and hematite catalysts when carbon dioxide (derived by massive metamorphic or igneous decarbonation of subducted sedimentary carbonates) reacts with hydrogen generated by the serpentinization (in the absence of air) of shallow-mantle lithosphere and ophiolite thrust sheets. Oblique plate movements may favor hydrocarbon formation by creating deep faults that aid fluid flow and serpentinization. The world's richest oil provinces, including those of the Middle East, may be tentatively interpreted to have formed by this mechanism. 8 figs., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 5588854
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA), Vol. 73:8; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
ORIGIN
CARBON DIOXIDE
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
HEMATITE
MAGNETITE
PLATE TECTONICS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
IRON COMPOUNDS
IRON ORES
IRON OXIDES
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINERALS
ORES
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RESOURCES
TECTONICS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration