Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments from a Guaymas Basin Hydrothermal Vent Site

摘要

Petroleum-like materials found at the Guaymas Basin hydrothermal vent site (Gulf of California) are derived from pyrolysis of organic matter. Two characteristics surface sediment cores differing in temperature profiles and other parameters were collected by DSV ALVIN, sectioned and analyzed for hydrocarbons. The quantitative and qualitative composition of alkanes, steranes, diasteranes, and triterpanes differed between these cores as well as within sections of the same core. These differences, apparent for scales of tens of centimeters, are related to interactive physical, chemical, and microbial processes as well as the influence of multiple sources for the petroleum. Keywords: Hydrothermal vents, Ocean bottom sediments, Hydrocarbon biodegradation. Reprints. (edc)