In the media you can always read that petroleum has an organic source. But I never heard a geologist ruling out a possible inorganic source for petroleum.
I have the impression that there is still a debate on the origin of oil. Most researchers favor an organic source for the big oil deposits. But there are also publications which favor an inorganic source. Hints for the “inorganic” theory are the discovery of deep fault systems down the asthenosphere and laboratory proof that methane is possibly stable at mantle conditions. In the presence of catalysts (like PGEs) it could be possible that the methane reacts to longer and bigger hydrocarbons.
I think that both theories are possible.
Views regarding inorganic origin of hydrocarbon formation have been expressed from time to time. However, the most acceptable views are still in favour of organic origin.
Despite the existing of some theories of the inorganic origin of oil and gas, until today I support the theory of the organic origin of these two types of conventional energy sources.
There have been controversies over this, and as a result most petroleum geologists are perhaps even a little defensive in favor of the organic origin. The situation with methane is somewhat different than oil in that it has been found in volcanic gases and even on other planets. So you might find original inorganic methane, but in terms of volume there is both thermogenic and directly biogenic methane from organic sources in very large quantities.
Regards
If you study the macerals or microscopic components of coal you can view that is the organic matter the most probable origin.
There is no doubt that the most wide spread believe among geologist is the conventional organic origin of petroleum, however, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of an inorganic source simply because it is not known or has not been given a serious attention. I personally however don't know of any established academic source that have been able to establish an inorganic origin for petroleum, however I suggest that a labrotary synthetic chemical approach will be capable of yielding a meaningful outcome as regards to your question.
I found some sources which deal with the question of ofganic ang inorganic formation theories for pertroleum and natural gas:
https://petrowiki.org/Origin_of_petroleum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiogenic_petroleum_origin
Most interesting are the following publications in the journal Nature Geoscience from researches of the university in Stockholm:
Kolesnikov, A.; Kutcherov, V. G.; Goncharov A. F. (2009): Methane-derived hydrocarbons produced under upper-mantle conditions, Nature Geoscience, vol. 2/8, p. 566–570.
Article Methane-derived hydrocarbons produced under upper-mantle conditions
And this publication:
Article Deep-seated abiogenic origin of petroleum: From geological a...
Christian, I have followed the link of your source, however what I discover is that your source there is a secondary source provided by petrowiki (which is a collaborative information source from various professional organizations such as Society of Petroleum Engineers SPE, and American Association of Petroleum Geologist AAPG). If you have done your search well on your link, you will notice that the link page contain some references, I suggest that you go to reference number three (3) and click on the link on it. It is a pdf document that directed you to one of the sources to which petrowiki established that article which is also in its own right a secondary source. For the primary sources to which that pdf article base its investigation, please refer to that article's list of references with particular attention to reference number 1 (which is an AAPG bulletin paper by Hedberg, H. D. 1964 titled 'Geologic aspects of origin of petroleum') and also reference number12 and 13. I had little time being a member of the AAPG to download the document by Hedberg and went through it, I think this way you can have a more accurate information with regard to source and a general perspective that will help you in making an opinion after examining the necessary available line of evidence.
Both theories are possible. However most commercial pools of Hydrocabon are from biogenic sources.
There is a sample of limestone with skeletons of clams and corals with patches of bitumen in between. When you hit this rock with a hammer you get the smell of gasoline.
The fossils are the remains of sea animals while bitumen the remains of the soft parts of the animals.
How anyone could think that oil and gas are not the remains of pre-existing life?
Dear Mr. Michael Issigonis ,
thank you for your comment. This is a very impressive argument for the biogenic origin of oil.
I don't want to dismiss the biogenic origins of oil. But there are obviously some open questions in the genesis of oil and natural gas desposits.
I'm not a specialist in petroleum geology but I'm very interested in this topic and thought that it is a good idea to discuss the theories with the geolgical community on researchgate. There are already some good comments (including yours).
Expulsion of majority commercial interesting hydrocarbons From sedimentary rocks and trap in the reservoir rock is scientific and true also . No doubt biogenic theory has suggested us successful method and exploration companies are using this from long time and getting success also . No need to change this method but hard need to add some more signatures to increase the efficiency and reduce the risk of failure ,as fossil fuel theory is a big Mistake ,that is travelling from one generation to another with some wrong assumptions .
On the other hand advocates Of abiotic theory also have scientific evidences but not respecting the strong evidences of biotic theory and failed to be listened . There is no need for both side to ignore strong evidences of each other’s but hard need to sit together and must learn to respect the strong evidences of each other to develop a new balanced theory ,that how abiotic fluids has been migrated in sedimentary enviormet to confuse us deceased bio mass is a dominant source , actually just mixed in abiotic fluids that were once hugely present on the surface of earth as currently present on surface of Titan . These abiotic HCs has played a vital role to form productive sedimentary source rocks , otherwise dry holes . When both sides will learn how to respect the strong evidences of each other , it is easy to conclude new balanced hypothesis between the both .
both side must give main intention how productive sedimentary source rocks has been formed rather expulsion or non expulsion from sedimentary rocks .
solving true origin of hydrocarbons in petroleum is not only linked with oil and gas but may advance modern science many times . May solve many pending mysteries for modern science . one more point I am a simple businessman only trading in metal recycling and not qualified but observing from last 35 years . Perhpas we can prove it in labs also with Strong team with sophisticated labs . that bio mass just has been mixed to confuse us and nothing to produce commercial petroleum. Thanks and warm regs
SB
i afraid also .
If you study the macerals or microscopic components of coal you can view that is the organic matter the most probable origin.
my answer : case is reverse . This show how pre generated abiotic fluids keep these materials well perserved . Strong evidences of new balanced hypothesis .
It's possible. You know the existence of methane in the space.
The inorganic sources for petroleum and natural gas are hydrocarbons formed in magma chambers.
https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/origin-of-massive-methane-reservoir-identified/
There cannot be two different carbon sources in one oil field.
Main intention should be how productive sedimentary source rocks has been formed . How abiotic fluids has been migrated in the sedimentary envoirment to confuse us as deceased bio mass is the dominant source . While deceased bio mass has nothing to produce global commercial interesting oils and gas . Yes minute qty of biotic hydrocarbons has been mixed in burial history of mixture .
I have created a WhatsApp group to solve the pending mystery of true origin of hydrocarbons in global petroleum reserves . As petroleum is a unique chemistry mainly constituent of hydrocarbons. Pls WhatsApp me at +919814058342
Thanks
Hi, I have created a WhatsApp group to discuss true origin of hydrocarbons , biotic v/s abiotic and we people more 150 scientists are discussing in group . Pls share your WhatsApp number . This debate may add more signatures to future drilling .
Please note I am not any qualified scientists but in metal recycling business only . I am researching on it as a passion from last 35 years . Even it is scientifically true that majority of commercial interesting HCs has been expelled from sedimentary source rocks and trap in the Reservior rock . [email protected]
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMAnbwPcf8yACztfkBqu9i
We need a new balanced hypothesis that can reconcile both the theories in single theory and possible also
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Filing