Storm-induced concentration of sulfurized, marine-origin, organic matter as a possible mechanism in the formation of petroleum source-rock

Abstract

Abstract Black shales, though laminated, are not systematically synonymous with quiet conditions of deposition. A number of papers report about black shales yielding sedimentary structures echoing relatively high hydrodynamic conditions. Here we examine two sedimentary sequences pertaining to the Late Jurassic Argiles de Châtillon Formation of the Boulonnais area (Northernmost France), each of them including a meter-thick black-shale horizon. The two laminated black shales contain sulfurized (i.e., organic S-rich) organic matter, reaching a maximum of 9%. However, some differences set the two black shales apart. The lower one was deposited under calm, suboxic to anoxic, bottom-water conditions (the « classic » way); the upper black shale was deposited under oxic, agitated bottom-water conditions, not compatible with stable sulfidic conditions required for organic-matter sulfurization. The upper black shale experienced hydrodynamically-induced concentration of sulfurized, recalcitrant organic matter of marine origin. The sulfurized organic matter could be preserved and quantitatively accumulated owing to its non-putrescible nature, leading to the formation of a potential hydrocarbon source rock. The association of pyrite inclusions with sulfurized organic matter probably modified the hydrodynamic behavior of organic particles. The storm-induced remobilization and concentration of sulfurized organic matter implies that the “sulfurization factory” operated in proximal, shallow environments such as estuaries, mud flats or mangrove environments. Such a model is in agreement with findings from modern coastal/shelf environments (notably mangroves) and fully transposable to many other sedimentary situations of any geological time period.