The relationship between hydrocarbon and stratabound metal sulfide deposits: The Upper Smackover as an analog

Conference · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:5799294

Denham, M E ^[1]

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1. Texas A and M Univ., College Station (United States)

A genetic link between hydrocarbon and stratabound metal sulfide deposits has often been suggested. Both are thought to result from similar processes operating during the evolution of sedimentary basins, yet exploitable hydrocarbon and metal sulfide deposits are not found together. Consequently, the nature of their genetic relationship remains unclear. The Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the North Louisiana Salt Basin - a prolific hydrocarbon producer - contains disseminated authigenic sulfide minerals reminiscent of stratabound metal sulfide deposits. The close association of these sulfide minerals with hydrocarbon deposits provides an opportunity to examine the relation between the two. The mineralogy and chemistry of late-stage authigenic phases in the Upper Smackover are similar to ore and 'gangue' minerals of Mississippi Valley-type sulfide deposits. The sulfide minerals consist of replacement or pore-filling sphalerite, galena, pyrite, marcasite, and chalcopyrite. The mineralogy and chemistry of the sulfides and their related minerals vary spatially throughout the basin. These variations reflect local processes and the sources of the sulfide minerals' constituents. The same source rocks from which hydrocarbons are derived are likely sources of base metal ions. Likewise, reduced sulfur is related to hydrocarbons by either a common source or by thermochemical sulfate reduction. Thus, spatial variations in chemistry and mineralogy of the late-stage authigenic sulfides of the Upper Smackover may be the key to understanding the relationship between hydrocarbons and stratabound metal sulfide deposits.

• OSTI ID: 5799294
• Report Number(s): CONF-910403-; CODEN: AABUD
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Vol. 75:3; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Dallas, TX (United States), 7-10 Apr 1991; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
58 GEOSCIENCES
LOUISIANA
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SOURCE ROCKS
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GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
JURASSIC PERIOD
SULFIDE MINERALS
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION VI
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020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
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580000 - Geosciences