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Comparison of 14C ages of hydrothermal petroleums

Organic Geochemistry
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Abstract

In order to set limits on the time frame of formation of hydrothermal petroleum, we have obtained 14C ages on samples from three diverse regions; Gulf of California (Guaymas Basin), Northeast Pacific Ocean (Escanaba Trough and Middle Valley), and the East African Rift (Tanganyika Trough). The results date the source of carbon and therefore provide maximum ages for the formation and emplacement of the hydrothermal petroleums. The youngest petroleum occurs iin the Souther Trough of Guaymas Basin (3200-6600 yr, mean 4692 yr); in the Northern Trough the petroleum is slightly older (7400 yr). Significantly older hydrothermal petroleum occurs in Escanaba Trough (17,000 yr) and Middle Valley (29,000 yr). A continental example from the East African Rift has an age of 25,000 yr, comparable to the ages observed in the oceanic samples from the Northeast Pacific Ocean. These ages affirm that hydrothermal petroleum formation is a very rapid process and took place some time between the latest Pleistocene and the present in these active hydrothermal systems. ?? 1994.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Comparison of 14C ages of hydrothermal petroleums
Series title Organic Geochemistry
Volume 21
Issue 5
Year Published 1994
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Organic Geochemistry
First page 525
Last page 529
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