The controversy faced with the origin of petroleum is still an ongoing debate. The people who have carried out research demonstrated that at least some of the chemistry of the abiogenic theory can occur within the earth and if it proves to be the correct mechanism, it could explain the abundance of oil within the earth as well as offering the hope of much more remains and that it is possible to replenish the oil supplies. But this does not suffice as proof as the one and only mechanism for the formation of oil either.
The biogenic (fossil) theory advocates have exhibited solid evidences on their side but on the other hand, the followers of abiogenic theory also have important evidences which cannot be denied. There is clearly no doubt that Sedimentary rocks that have been formed without no involvement of these abiotic hydrocarbons are suitable form commercial hydrocarbons deposits and thereby lead to dry holes. They concluded that abiotic sources are the major contributor in the commercial accumulations of hydrocarbons. But a well-balanced theory should be a major requirement which will help future hydrocarbon exploration efficiently.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Definition of Petroleum
THE ABIOGENIC THEORY
THREE THEORIES THAT DESCRIBES THE ABIOTIC THEORY OF ORIGIN
The Volcanic Theory:
The Earthquake Theory:
Serpentinization Theory:
BIOGENIC THEORY
THE TRUE POSITION FOR THE ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The controversy faced with the origin of petroleum is still an ongoing debate. The people who have carried out research demonstrated that at least some of the chemistry of the abiogenic theory can occur within the earth and if it proves to be the correct mechanism, it could explain the abundance of oil within the earth as well as offering the hope of much more remains and that it is possible to replenish the oil supplies. But this does not suffice as proof as the one and only mechanism for the formation of oil either. The biogenic(fossil ) theory advocates have exhibited solid evidences on their side but on the other hand, the followers of abiogenic theory also have important evidences which cannot be denied. There is clearly no doubt that Sedimentary rocks that have been formed without no involvement of these abiotic hydrocarbons are suitable form commercial hydrocarbons deposits and thereby lead to dry holes. They concluded that abiotic sources are the major contributor in the commercial accumuations of hydrocarbons But a well-balanced theory should be a major requirement which will help future hydrocarbon exploration efficiently1.
Definition of Petroleum
Petroleum is defined as any mixture of hydrocarbons that can be recovered from a drill pipe2. It occurs in form of oil and gas which mainly have a chemical composition of hydrocarbons of various carbon chains3.
This essay will be divided into three parts including this introduction. I will discuss in detail about the two theories associated with the origin of petroleum (Hydrocarbons) and their supporting evidences. Part II of this paper seeks to give a brief analysis of what the true position for the origin of Petroleum is. Part III concludes the discussion.
Firstly, Crude Oil is used in the production of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other important substances including plastics. The Crude Oil comes from the ground beneath our feet. But the question which should first come to mind is that how did it get there? Another question one might probably have in mind is that where does crude oil come from4 ?
There are two different theories associated with the Origin of Petroleum as earlier stated and the petroleum origin and formation still become a polarized topic of scientists’ debates. These theories are abiogenesis and biogenesis5 .
THE ABIOGENIC THEORY
The Abiotic origin is known as one of the oldest theory which suggests that petroleum comes from the underneath part of the mantle very long time ago before the existence of life on earth (Mendeleev, 1877).
The Early theories of Petroleum generation postulated an Abiotic(inorganic) Origin. Mkhaol Lomonosov, a Russian Scientist and a writer stated that abiogenic theory simply claimed that Petroleum existed deep in the earth. They believed that Jupiter,Saturn, and some of the satelites of the outer planets are known to contain ‘ methane’ . Some also believed that a particular class of Meteorities, the carbonaceous chondrites, contains traces of various hydrocarbons including complex amino acids and the Isoprenoids phytane and pristine. Another belief was that extraterrestrial hydrocarbon are believed by most authorities to have formed abiogenically. They argued that the earths Oil was of ‘ ’Cosmic Origin’’ due to the fact that the presence of cosmic hyrocarbons provides evidence of extraterrestrial life. They believed that the hydrocarbons in Chondrites might be the remains of barbecued space monsters. However, Professor Sir Frederic Hoyle6, stated a theory that was considered a strange theory which has been in vogue for many years7. In his words
The presence of hydrocarbons in the bodies out of which the earth is formed would certaintly make the earth interior contain vastly more oil than could ever be produced from decayed fish…if our prognostication that the oil deposits have also been squeezed out from the interior of the earth is correct, then we must I think, accept the view that the amount of oil still present at great depths vastly exceeds the comparatively tiny quantities that man has been able to recover8.
There are some different Theories that describe the Abiotic (inorganic) Origin. Many distinguished Scientists believed in the Theory of Magmatic Origin of Hydrocarbon which was adopted by Mondele’ev9 . He suggested that the mantle contained Iron Carbide and this iron carbide could react with percolating water to form methane and other oil hydrocarbons analogous to the reaction in which acetylene is produced by Carbide and water. Reaction equation is; CaC2+2H2O=C2H2+Ca(OH)2
THREE THEORIES THAT DESCRIBES THE ABIOTIC THEORY OF ORIGIN
The Volcanic Theory:
The Opinion of Dott and Reynolds10, who stated that there is little evidence for the existence of Iron Carbide in the Mantle have been widely held by many Scientst, Chemists, astronomers who have a deep belief in the Abiotic(inorganic) origin but not however by Geologist. In Russia for instance, Porfir’ev11 noted that there are still vestigal traces of this belief which survive today and even in the United States.
If the evidence of Iron Carbide in the mantle is perceived to be actually true, one would expect hydrocarbons to be commonly associated with Igneous rocks and areas of deep crestal disturbance and Faulting because there is evidence for the exhalation of hydrocarbons from Volcaneous and their occurrence in congealed Magma and their association with Faults. It has however been recorded that Gaseous hydrocarbons have emanated from Volcaneous in many parts of the world12. These Occurences have been reviewed by White and Waring13. However, Volcanoes erupt through a cover of sedimentary rocks from which the Methane (The most commonly found gaseous hydrocarbon) may have been derived by the heating of organic matter14. There are three classification of the genetic types of igneous hydro-carbons which exist based on the Data that have accumulated over the years describing the occurrence of hydrocarbons within Igneous rocks15. These are;
i. Hydrocarbon gases, bitumens, and liquids occurring within vesicles and microscopic inclusions and as irregular disseminated masses within Igneous and Metamorphic rocks.
ii. Hydrocarbons trapped where Igneous rocks intrude sediments.
iii. Hydrocarbons in weathered Igneous basement trapped beneath unconformities16.
The Earthquake Theory:
This is the second type of theory that describes the Abiotic (inorganic) Origin. Gold17 argued that earthquake outgassing along faults allows methane to escape from the mantle and this process gives rise to deep gas reservoirs and by polymerization, to oil at shallower horizons18. An Example of Gold theory was tested by wells drilled on the Siljan ring, a meteorite impact structure in Sweden dated at some 360 mybp. This structure occurs in the Precambrian basement19. Gold’s theory simply implies that to find limitless quantities of oil and gas, all that needs to be done is to drill adjacent To faults deep enough and often enough20. Biogenic methane is enriched in (C12) while Abiogenic methane contains a higher proportion of (C13) . These ratios varies for different compounds and is especially large for the different types of Methane21.
Serpentinization Theory:
This is the third theory for the origin of petroleum and it is intermediate between the abiogenic mante theory and the biogenic theory. Here, the Fischer-Tropsch equation reaction is used to produce synthetic hhydrocarbon and it is a well known Industrial process. It contained that Carbon dioxide and hydrogen are passed over a catalyst of Haemative and magnetite at temperatures in excess of 500oC. Although some authorities expressed their views and stated that this process could produce methane and liquid in nature. Szatmari, recently discussed this process in the light of plate tectonics. He argued that hydro-carbons could be generated by the Fischer-Tropsch process at convergent plate boundaries where sedimentary rocks and oceanic crust undergo subduction. He further stated that the Carbon dioxide could be formed from the metamorphism of carbonates and the hydrogen by Serpentinization of ophiolites22 .
The Overwhelming evidences is seen in Geographical locations which most hydrocarbon producing regions are located close to belts of tectonic activities and also corresponding to what Biogenic (organic) theory supporters have unarguably admitted themselves, that petroleum is a fossil fuel , and that there has never been a real fossil found below 16000 feet but nowadayas there is a drilling for oil reservoirs at 28000 feet or even 30000 feet where there is no a fossil remains23. Therefore the unquestionable instances of indigenous oil in basement are ‘rare’ and not commercially important. It stated that it is insignificant and not only are the volumes of hydrocarbons trapped this way but the reservoirs are impermeable unless fractured. Commercial accumulations of hydrocarbons in Igneous rocks will only occur where the Igneous rocks intrude or are unconformably overlain by sediments24. There is now clear evidence for the origin of abiogenic hydrocarbons in the deep crust or mantle and for its emergence along faults and fractures notably in the mid-oceanic ridges and Intracontinental rifts. Petroleum seeps and accumulations are absent from the igneous and metamorphic rocks of Continental shileds, both are far from and are adjacent to faults. It is now a routine to use gas chromatography (fingerprinting) to match the organic matter in shales with the petroleum in adjacent reservoirs25.
BIOGENIC THEORY
The second hypothesis, biotic or organic origin suggests that petroleum is formed from biological matters, left behind by very ancient lives. These matters become subjected to high temperature under the absence of oxygen26. The Biogenic theory of Hydrocarbons is currently accepted by many people due to how it is supported by various valid grounds. The organic matter from which Petroleum is derived was stated to have originated through Photosynthesis ( i.e storage of solar energy). This process established that the sunlight is continuously transformed into such energy on Earth but only a very small portion of the solar energy is preserved as organic matter and petroleum.Most of the organic materials which occur in source rocks for petroleum are algae, formed by Photosynthesis. The zooplankton and higher organism that are also represented grazed the algae and were therefore indirectly dependent on photosynthesis too27.
The Evidences for Biogenic(organic)Origin of Petroleum is the presence of brine (sea water) with Petroleum which is found only in association with sedimentary rocks. The biogenic theory claimed that there is no petroleum associated with Igneous or metamorphic rocks. Another evidence that was developed is that of polarized light which passes through all petroleum resources. It is known to undergo a rotation that is similar to all organic oils. The Molecules also found in hydrocarbons are though to be similar to that of the organic matter28. The Organic carbon found in plants is depleted into ratio C13 due to photosynthesis process and in dead organic matter, it is further depleted due to radioactive decaying. The same depletion was found in Petroleum and Natural gas29.
THE TRUE POSITION FOR THE ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM
The question that begs for answers is that what is the truth and wherein lies the proof? This is because none of the two theories is sufficient enough to prove that it is the one and only mechanism for the formation of petroleum within the earths methane. The Biotic origin of petroleum has inspired the possibility of exhausting oil reserves while the Abiotic hypothesis assure quasi-unlimited supplies of oil and gas reserves30. Therefore many issues regarding energy renewability rises. However according to the popular website Petroleum.co.uk, Politics has been set out as the main driver of every issue in our modern socio-economic aspects of living, the arguments of abiotic versus biotic origin of petroleum are caused by some hidden reasons which are for particular interest and politically motivated. For example, a limited supply can be used to control people and as justification for actions like war. An unlimited supply, on the other hand, means that we need not worry about running out, that we ought to be able to drill for more oil and increase price, and so forth31.
CONCLUSION
From the totality of the above, The Biotic origin of petroleum fits today science with plausible evidences and it is commonly accepted as the true hypothesis to explain the origin of petroleum regardless of some few confrontations with its counterpart32. I submit that both theories have established strong evidences and they are both opposite to each other. There should be a new balanced theory because both theories have failed to actually convince or explain which particular theory is the true position. It could also be seen that these both theories are correct in the sense that they are both two different processes but with the same or very similar results.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS
Donatien Ishimwe , “Origin and Formation of Petroleum”( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum.
Knut Bjorlykke et al. “Petroleum Geoscience: From Sedimentary Environments to Rock Physics,”(London, New york:Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010) at 4.
Richard C. Selley, “Elements of Petroleum Geology”, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 183.
Vincent Summers, “The Origin of Crude Oil or Petroleum:Biotic or Abiotic,” (April 28th, 2015), online:https://www.decodedscience.org/origin-crude-oil-petroleum-biotic-abiotic/54008.
ONLINE SOURCES
PetroWiki,online: Society of Petroleum Engineers(22 March 2016),http://petrowiki.org/Origin_of_petroleum#.WfhJjI-0MdU.
Research Gate, online:https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_current_opinion_about_origin_of_petroleum.
[...]
1 Research Gate, online:https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_current_opinion_about_origin_of_petroleum.
2 See Sephton A., Hazen M, (2013)
3 Donatien Ishimwe, Origin and Formation of Petroleum( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum
4 Vincent Summers, The Origin of Crude Oil or Petroleum:Biotic or Abiotic, (April 28th, 2015), online:https://www.decodedscience.org/origin-crude-oil-petroleum-biotic-abiotic/54008.
5 Donatien Ishimwe, Origin and Formation of Petroleum( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum
6 See Professor Sir Frederic Hoyle (1955), at 183.
7 Richard C. Selley, Elements of Petroleum Geology, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 183.
8 See Professor Sir Frederic Hoyle (1955), at 183.
9 See Mondele’ev (1902), at 183.
10 See Dott and Reynolds (1969), at 184.
11 See Porfir’ev (1974), at 184.
12 Richard C. Selley , Elements of Petroleum Geology, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 184.
13 See White and Waring (1963), at 184
14 Richard C. Selley, Elements of Petroleum Geology, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 184.
15 Ibid at 184
16 Ibid at 184
17 Thomas Gold (1979, 1984).
18 Richard C. Selley, Elements of Petroleum Geology, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 187.
19 Ibid
20 Ibid at 187.
21 Richard C. Selley, Elements of Petroleum Geology, 2d (London, San Diego: Academic Press 1998, 1985) at 187.
22 Ibid at 189
23 PetroWiki,online: Society of Petroleum Engineers(22 March 2016),<http://petrowiki.org/Origin_of_petroleum#.WfhJjI-0MdU>.
24 Richard C. Selly& Stephen A. Sonnenbery. Elements of Petroleum Geology, 3d (San Diego, London: 2015) at 199.
25 Ibid at 189.
26 26 Donatien Ishimwe, Origin and Formation of Petroleum( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum
27 Knut Bjorlykke et al. Petroleum Geoscience: From Sedimentary Environments to Rock Physics,(London, New york:Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010) at 4.
28 28PetroWiki,online: Society of Petroleum Engineers (22 March 2016),<http://petrowiki.org/Origin_of_petroleum#.WfhJjI-0MdU>.
29 Ibid
30 Donatien Ishimwe, Origin and Formation of Petroleum( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum
31 Ibid.
32 Donatien Ishimwe, Origin and Formation of Petroleum( November 9th, 2014) online: http://connect.spe.org/blogs/donatien-ishimwe/2014/09/11/origin-and-formation-of-petroleum
- Quote paper
- Bolonimibofa Kpokpowei (Author), 2018, A critical analysis of the origin of petroleum. The abiogenic and biogenic theory, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/520125
