Variations in kerogen densities of sediments from the Orinoco delta, Venezuela

Abstract

A method employing the Coulter counter technique was used in determining kerogen density for Recent sediments of the Orinoco delta. These sediments contain essentially terrestrial (humic) organic matter and have kerogen densities ranging from 1.32 to 1.72 g ml −1 (with an average of 1.48 g ml −1). A strong correlation was found to exist between kerogen density and offshore distance and depth in the Orinoco delta. Kerogen density varies with offshore distance and depth, decreasing consistently at the rates of 0.015 and 4 g ml −1 km −1, respectively. The heavy kerogens are associated with shallow near-shore areas while lighter kerogens are found in the deep offshore. Hence offshore distance and depth could be said to be a function of kerogen density.