Patterns of trace element composition of caustobiolites and carbonic fluids according to the results of correlation analysis: A summary of results

Abstract

Trace element analysis is a well-known research method. The article discusses the results of calculations of correlation coefficients of trace element composition of samples with model chemical content of the Upper, Middle and the Lower crust and biota. Unlike the commonly used methods for comparing the content of individual elements and groups of elements, this method, based on the use of the entire set of available trace element data, provides more robust results. The factual basis of the analysis is a database compiled of a large number of analyzes by different authors and including trace element composition data of organic matter of rocks, solid caustobiolites and hydrocarbon and carbonic deep fluids. The results of correlation coefficient calculations at a quantitative level confirm the previously made conclusions of the polygenic source of trace elements in naphthides, mud volcanic and carbonic fluids. The method makes it possible to estimate the depth of bottom the corresponding fluid systems and the dominant type of the original organic matter. A number of new relationships between the correlation coefficient values of the trace element compositions of the studied natural substances are revealed, in particular, the trend of changes in the correlation coefficients values of trace element content in specimens with the composition of the Earth’s crust and biota in the process of transformation of the initial organic matter into oil and further into oil degradation products. The results of the analysis testify in favor of the previously proposed model of massive oil genesis according to the scheme of a non-equilibrium flow reactor. Confirmation of this model allows us to propose on its basis a system of predictive indicators of possible high oil and gas content, which is required by practice in connection with the depletion of reserves of shallow traditional hydrocarbon deposits.