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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 19 (1969), Pages 115-118

Hydrocarbons Cored from Knolls in Southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Richard Rezak, Arnold H. Bouma, Lela M. Jeffrey

ABSTRACT

Some of the piston cores collected from knolls in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Mexico contained either layers of solid hydrocarbons or scattered inclusions of this material.

Geochemical analyses indicate that the hydrocarbons contain about 50% asphaltenes. Comparisons are made from samples within a 58 m thick tar layer and between the tar layer and the inclusions.

Paleontological investigations on coccoliths and foraminifera reveal that mixing of fossil assemblages is common suggesting upward movement of sediment with the hydrocarbons.

These findings demonstrate that hydrocarbons can originate in deep sea sediments and that their upward movement results in "oil seeps" which may account for some of the hydrocarbons found on modern beaches.


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