Abiogenic Origin of Hydrocarbons: An Historical Overview

Abstract

. The two theories of abiogenic formation of hydrocarbons, the Russian‐Ukrainian theory of deep, abiotic petroleum origins and Thomas Gold's deep gas theory, have been considered in some detail. Whilst the Russian‐Ukrainian theory was portrayed as being scientifically rigorous in contrast to the biogenic theory which was thought to be littered with invalid assumptions, this applies only to the formation of the higher hydrocarbons from methane in the upper mantle. In most other aspects, in particular the influence of the oxidation state of the mantle on the abundance of methane, this rigour is lacking especially when judged against modern criteria as opposed to the level of understanding in the 1950s to 1980s when this theory was at its peak. Thomas Gold's theory involves degassing of methane from the mantle and the formation of higher hydrocarbons from methane in the upper layers of the Earth's crust. However, formation of higher hydrocarbons in the upper layers of the Earth's crust occurs only as a result of Fischer‐Tropsch‐type reactions in the presence of hydrogen gas but is otherwise not possible on thermodynamic grounds. This theory is therefore invalid. Both theories have been overtaken by the increasingly sophisticated understanding of the modes of formation of hydrocarbon deposits in nature.

Organic, Gas, and Element Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Fluids of the Newly Discovered Extensive Hydrothermal Area in the Wallis and Futuna Region (SW Pacific)

“…The origin of hydrocarbon gases and SVOCs in natural systems including hydrothermal systems has been the focus of many studies since the abiotic origin of some hydrocarbons was postulated ( [67,68] for a review). Both field and experimental studies have tried to unravel the origin of hydrocarbons making use of stable isotopes (e.g., reviews of [34,35]).…”

The future of oil supply

“…These require a deep-Earth source of primordial methane which is converted, by Fischer-Tropsch reactions, into longer chain alkanes and other molecules, either in the upper mantle (the so-called Russian theory) or in the upper crust (the so-called Thomas Gold theory). These theories have been generally discredited, both on chemical and thermodynamic grounds and from considerable empirical evidence, such as the presence of biomarker molecules in oil that are directly traceable to biological precursors [2]. 2 Oil production and resources are commonly measured in volumetric terms, despite significant variations in specific gravity and energy content.…”

“…These theories have been generally discredited, both on chemical and thermodynamic grounds and from considerable empirical evidence, such as the presence of biomarker molecules in oil that are directly traceable to biological precursors [2]. 2 Oil production and resources are commonly measured in volumetric terms, despite significant variations in specific gravity and energy content. One barrel (b) is approximately 158 litres and may weigh between 0.12 and 0.16 tonnes.…”

Analysis of Jet Fuel for the Judgment of Soil Polluter

“…이들 시설은 우리의 생활과 밀접한 관련이 있어 주변에서 흔히 볼 수 있으며, 사용량의 증가에 따라 오염사고 또한 빈번하여 토양환경뿐만 아니라 우리의 건강을 심각하게 위협하고 있다 [3]. 석유의 생성원리는 정확하게 밝혀지지는 않았지만 유기생명체들이 지하에 묻혀 오랜 기간 동안 분해되어 현재의 석유형태로 전환되었다 고 유추하고 있다 [4]. 다시 말하면 수백, 수십만 년의 오랜 생성기간을 통해 안정한 형태의 탄화수소화합물로 전환되었기 때문에, 누유사고 시, 석유가 분해되기까지 상당한 시간이 요구된다 [5].…”