Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Organic Matter in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments from Shenhu Area, South China Sea.

ABSTRACT: Rock-Eval pyrolysis and the biomarker composition of organic matter were systematically studied in hydrate-bearing sediments from the Shenhu area, South China Sea. The n-alkane distribution patterns revealed that the organic matter in the sediments appeared to originate from mixed sources of marine autochthonous input, terrestrial higher plants, and ancient reworked organic matter. The low total organic carbon contents (average < 0.5%) and the low hydrogen index (HI, <80 mg HC/g TOC) suggested the poor hydrocarbon-generation potential of the deposited organic matter at a surrounding temperature of <20 °C in unconsolidated sediments. The abnormally high production index and the fossil-originated unresolved complex mixture (UCM) accompanied by sterane and hopane of high maturity ind

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9025314 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature