Sterane and triterpane biomarkers in the Precambrian Nonesuch Formation, North American Midcontinent Rift

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90351-5· OSTI ID:5912702

Pratt, L M; Hieshima, G B ^[1]; Summons, R E ^[2]

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1. Indiana Univ., Bloomington (United States)
2. Bureau of Mineral Resources, Canberra (Australia)

Molecular fossils and organic matter from microbial communities living around 1.1 Ga ago are well preserved in the Nonesuch Formation of the US Midcontinent Rift System. Although some compound classes of biological markers have been recognized repeatedly in previous studies of Nonesuch rocks and associated petroleums, steranes and triterpanes have not been detected. Failure to detect these compounds was due primarily to instrumental limitations and the relatively high thermal maturity of samples collected within zones of copper mineralization. The authors analyses of Nonesuch samples from the White Pine Mine and nonmineralized localities in Michigan and Wisconsin reveal suites of C{sub 26}-C{sub 30} steranes and C{sub 27}-C{sub 35} pentacyclic triterpanes similar to those found in Phanerozolic oils and sedimentary rocks of marine origin. Stereoisomeric distributions in the Nonesuch samples are consistent with moderate thermal maturity except in the mineralized zone near White Pine.

• DOE Contract Number: FG02-88ER13978
• OSTI ID: 5912702
• Journal Information: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States), Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States) Vol. 55:3; ISSN GCACA; ISSN 0016-7037
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FEDERAL REGION V
FOSSILS
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