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Generation of Methane in the Earth's Mantle: In situ High P-T Measurements of Carbonate Reduction

Journal Article · · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
OSTI ID:902357

We present in situ observations of hydrocarbon formation via carbonate reduction at upper mantle pressures and temperatures. Methane was formed from FeO, CaCO{sub 3}-calcite and water at pressures between 5 and 11 GPa and temperatures ranging from 500 to 1500 C. The results are shown to be consistent with thermodynamic calculations of the relevant chemical reactions based on the thermochemical models and ab initio theory. The study demonstrates the existence of abiogenic pathways for the formation of hydrocarbons in the Earth's interior and suggests that the hydrocarbon budget of the bulk Earth may be larger than conventionally assumed.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
902357
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JRNL-206515
Journal Information:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Vol. 101; ISSN 0027-8424; ISSN PNASA6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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