The Xiamaling Formation (~1.36 Ga) in North China is characterized by black shales of relatively low thermal maturity and has been suggested as a potential oil source rock.To date,however,the biological source of the organic matter and environmental conditions during the deposition of the black shale remain unclear.In this study we analyzed the lipid biomarkers composition of black shales and superjacent stromatolitic carbonates of the Xiamaling Formation in order to unravel the microbial compositions and sedimentary environments.
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