Migration of C1 to C8 volatile organic compounds in sediments from the Deep Sea Drilling Project, Leg 75, Hole 530A.

Abstract

The distribution of C1 to C8 hydrocarbons in sediment samples from Hole 530A indicates that significant amounts of methane and ethane have migrated from organic-rich to organic-lean shales in close proximity. Most compounds larger than ethane are not migrating out of black shales, where they occur in high concentrations. These results lead to a general model for assessing migration. In addition, three shale types are identified on the basis of organic carbon and pyrolysis products and patterns.-Authors