Organic geochemistry of sediment from Leg 135 (Lau Basin) and of an oil seep (Tonga)

Abstract

The average total organic carbon (TOC) content obtained after Rock-Eval/TOC analysis of 156 sediment samples from the eight sites cored during Leg 135 is 0.05%. Hence, the TOC content of Leg 135 sediments is extremely low. The organic matter that is present in these samples is probably mostly reworked and oxidised material. A sample of an oil seep from Pili, Tongatapu was also analysed. -from Author