What evidence supports the deep origin of petroleum? - Ask Wiki

Moonshot's Answer

The evidence supporting the deep origin of petroleum includes:

Occurrence of petroleum deposits at great depths: Some oil has been found at depths of 5000-10,000 meters, suggesting a deep origin.
Presence of helium: Helium, a gas that does not easily combine with other elements, is often found alongside oil, indicating a deep source.
Carbon isotope ratios: The carbon isotope ratios in oil are similar to those found in mantle rocks, suggesting a deep origin.
Inexplicable abundance of oil: The sheer volume of oil on Earth is difficult to explain through biological processes alone.
Laboratory experiments: Experiments have shown that hydrocarbons can form from inorganic materials under high pressure and temperature conditions similar to those found deep within the Earth.
Geological formations: The presence of oil in igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are not typically associated with biological processes, supports a deep origin.

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