What are the key arguments supporting the abiotic origin of petroleum?
Reference
Moonshot's Answer
The key arguments supporting the abiotic origin of petroleum are:
- Occurrence at Great Depths: Oil has been found at depths of 5000-10,000 meters, which is below the depth where biological material could be preserved.
- Presence in the Earth's Mantle: Laboratory experiments and geological data suggest that hydrocarbons can form in the mantle.
- Inexhaustible Supply: The vast amounts of hydrocarbons on Earth suggest a continuous supply from deep within the Earth.
- Carbon Isotope Ratios: Some argue that the carbon isotope ratios in oil do not match those of biological origin.
- Hydrothermal Synthesis: Hydrocarbons can be synthesized from inorganic materials under high temperature and pressure.
- Lack of Fossil Evidence: The absence of significant fossil evidence in some oil fields supports the abiotic theory.
Despite these arguments, the scientific consensus supports a biogenic origin for petroleum, formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms. The abiotic theory remains a topic of debate and further research is needed to fully understand the origins of petroleum.
Follow Up
Related
Why do some geologists believe commercially profitable deposits of abiotic petroleum could be found?
Are there significant differences between biotic and abiotic theories of oil formation?
What mechanisms are proposed for the abiotic chemical synthesis of hydrocarbons within the mantle?
What empirical evidence exists for abiotic sources of commercial petroleum deposits?