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Title: Distribution of carbon as hydrocarbons and asphaltic compounds in sedimentary rocks. [Diagenesis, catagenesis and metamorphism]

Journal Article · · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7122211

Sedimentary rocks of the earth's crust contain approximately 265 x 10/sup 18/ g of carbon in the form of hydrocarbons and 275 x 10/sup 18/ g in the form of soluble nonhydrocarbons (asphalt). It is estimated that 9% of the hydrocarbons are in sedimentary rocks that never have been heated above 50/sup 0/C. About 90% are in sedimentary rocks that have been heated from 50 to 200/sup 0/C and 1% are in rocks heated above 200/sup 0/C. The fact that most hydrocarbons are present in fine-grained, nonreservoir rocks at temperatures between 50 and 200/sup 0/C indicates that this is the temperature range in which most petroleum is formed.

Research Organization:
Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst., MA
OSTI ID:
7122211
Journal Information:
Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States), Vol. 61:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English