Analysis of single oil-bearing fluid inclusions in mid-Proterozoic sandstones (Roper Group, Australia)

The capability to analyse the hydrocarbon and biomarker composition of single oil-bearing fluid inclusions is a major breakthrough, as it opens up a way of obtaining molecular compositional data on ancient oils without the ambiguity of the origin of these hydrocarbons. Additionally, this finding suggests that it will be possible to analyse minute oil samples beyond the capability of established techniques. This may allow the biomarker record of the biosphere, as preserved in fluid inclusions, to be extended further back in time, and hence makes it possible to more accurately trace the early evolution of life on Earth, and search for life on other planets or moons.