Organic Geochemistry and Geological Interpretations

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Organic geochemistry is a relatively new interdisciplinary field which has displayed a surge of growth and activity during the past twenty years. In broadest definition, organic geochemistry involves the application of the principles and procedures of organic chemistry to the study of earth materials. Most work has focused on the nature and distribution of naturally occurring carbonaceous substances. Organic-carbon compounds (either biogenic or abiogenic) —their nature, distribution, and fate—have been the common interest of organic geochemists. Research has been dominated by people trained in chemistry and other basic sciences. Few geologists have entered this realm of research. Nevertheless, an increasing amount of attention is being given to the role that organic geochemistry can play in the elucidation of important geologic problems. Questions receiving attention by organic geochemists include the evolution of petroleum and other fossil fuels, the geochemical cycle of crustal carbon, the use of organi...