Establishing criteria to distinguish oil-seep from methane-seep carbonates

Abstract

Research Article| August 01, 2016 Establishing criteria to distinguish oil-seep from methane-seep carbonates D. Smrzka; D. Smrzka 1Department für Geodynamik und Sedimentologie, Erdwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Universität Wien, 1090 Wien, Austria Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. Zwicker; J. Zwicker 1Department für Geodynamik und Sedimentologie, Erdwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Universität Wien, 1090 Wien, Austria Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar A. Klügel; A. Klügel 2MARUM, Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar P. Monien; P. Monien 2MARUM, Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar W. Bach; W. Bach 2MARUM, Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar G. Bohrmann; G. Bohrmann 2MARUM, Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. Peckmann J. Peckmann * 1Department für Geodynamik und Sedimentologie, Erdwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Universität Wien, 1090 Wien, Austria3Institut für Geologie, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany *E-mail: joern.peckmann@uni-hamburg.de Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2016) 44 (8): 667–670. https://doi.org/10.1130/G38029.1 Article history received: 26 Apr 2016 rev-recd: 15 Jun 2016 accepted: 16 Jun 2016 first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation D. Smrzka, J. Zwicker, A. Klügel, P. Monien, W. Bach, G. Bohrmann, J. Peckmann; Establishing criteria to distinguish oil-seep from methane-seep carbonates. Geology 2016;; 44 (8): 667–670. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G38029.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Hydrocarbon seeps harbor copious chemosynthesis-dependent life, the traces of which are preserved in the fossil record within authigenic carbonates. These environments are mostly characterized by seepage of methane-rich fluids, yet numerous crude oil–dominated seeps have been discovered in recent years. Oil seepage has a profound influence on the local fauna, but recognizing such seeps in the rock record remains elusive. This study presents new geochemical data that will allow for a more confident identification of ancient oil-seep deposits. Geochemical data from modern and ancient seep limestones reveal that oil-dominated seep carbonates are enriched in rare earth elements and uranium compared to their methane-dominated counterparts. These trace element patterns have the potential to serve as a basis for an improved understanding of the adaptation of chemosynthetic life to oil seepage, and to better constrain the marine carbon cycle in the geologic past. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.