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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 47 (1963)

Issue: 11. (November)

First Page: 1897

Last Page: 1903

Title: Chromatographic Analysis of Gases from Soils and Vegetation, Related to Geochemical Prospecting for Petroleum

Author(s): Gerould B. Smith (2), Max M. Ellis (2)

Abstract:

Gases from soil and vegetation were analyzed by means of gas chromatography. Less than one part per million of each individual component could be reproducibly measured.

The vapor obtained by heating soil or vegetation samples in sealed, metal cans contained paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons were at least partly formed from plant matter, both living and dead. The spectrogram from soil samples corresponded closely with that obtained from plant rootlets. Soil was tested from areas over oil fields and non-petroliferous areas.

These observations make the general application of Previous HitdirectTop detection of hydrocarbons, or microorganisms utilizing hydrocarbons, from near-surface soil samples of questionable value in prospecting for gas or petroleum.

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