Molecular probing of deep secrets
Article Abstract:
Hinrichs and colleagues have shown that ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) cloned from shallow sediment samples over unstable methane hydrate deposits is dominated by genes from archaea. Most sequences found were distinct from, but related to the methanogenic orders Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales. The organisms created unusual sediment chemistry and indicate that they consumed part of the methane from the decomposing hydrate. Volker Thiel and colleagues have also shown that limestones in the Apennines have a similar geochemical signature for methane venting.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Microbial generation of economic accumulations of methane within a shallow organic-rich shale
Article Abstract:
The chemical and isotopic analyses of gas and water extracts from the Upper Devonian Antrim shale along the Michigan basin show the generation of considerable volumes of bacterial gas which may be economically exploited. The gas in the organic-rich shales is at a depth of less than 600 meters. It originates from the mixing of thermogenic gas and methane of microbial origin with similar delta-13C values of methane. Knowledge of the gas production process should help in the development of other economic non-conventional gas sources.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Diamondoids and oil are not forever
Article Abstract:
Petroleum geochemists use the phrase 'oil window' for the temperature range within which oil is freed from organic-carbon-rich rocks, however it is uncertain what the upper temperature limit for oil preservation is and what geological time spans are needed to crack oil. Dahl and colleagues have demonstrated that diamondoid concentrations increase with increasing temperature. Diamondoid concentrations may therefore be useful as a measure of oil destruction.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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