Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6438843 | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta | 2013 | 16 Pages |
Abstract
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.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Geochemistry and Petrology
Authors
Sandra Siljeström, Herbert Volk, Simon C. George, Jukka Lausmaa, Peter Sjövall, Adriana Dutkiewicz, Tomas Hode,