Molecular carbon isotopic evidence for the origin of geothermal hydrocarbons

Nature
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Previous interest in light hydrocarbons from geothermal systems has focused principally on the origin of the methane1 and the estimation of subsurface temperatures from the carbon isotopic content of coexisting methane and carbon dioxide1-3. Higher molecular weight hydrocarbons were first reported in gases from Yellowstone National Park4, and have since been found to occur commonly in geothermal emanations in the western United States5. Isotopic measurements of individual geothermal hydrocarbons are now reported which help to explain the origin of these hydrocarbons. The thermal decomposition of sedimentary or groundwater organic matter is a principal source of hydrocarbons in four geothermal areas in western North America. ?? 1981 Nature Publishing Group.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Molecular carbon isotopic evidence for the origin of geothermal hydrocarbons
Series title Nature
DOI 10.1038/292826a0
Volume 292
Issue 5826
Year Published 1981
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Nature
First page 826
Last page 828
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details