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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 11 (1927)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 455

Last Page: 465

Title: The Present Status of the Carbon-Ratio Theory

Author(s): George Edwin Dorsey

Abstract:

The essence of the carbon-ratio theory is the assumption of a causal connection between stages of metamorphism and the occurrences of gas and oil. Many geologists are of the opinion that the observations of White, Fuller, Russell, Moulton, and other investigators constitute proof of a causal assumption in pointing out that there is a definite relationship between degrees of alteration, using the fixed carbon of coal as a pyrometer, and oil and gas occurrences. Other geologists, although not questioning the observational data indicating the relationship, are led by the serious inconsistencies in the application of the theory, in so far as its causal feature is concerned, to believe no causal connection has been proved. The chief inconsistencies are: (1) the problem of resi ues, (2) the occurrences of oil of lower grade in older beds below higher-grade oil in younger beds, and (3) the presence of areas producing only dry gas in quantity in the same zone of alteration with areas producing oil, and oil and gas. The writer seeks in this discussion to compare the evidence regarded as proof of the theory with these inconsistencies. The conclusion is reached that, so far as the causal part of the theory is concerned, it has the same status it had when the theory was first enunciated--an unproved assumption.

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