Open AccessThermal maturation of organic matter by a thick basaltic sill in Upper Cretaceous shales, Svartenhuk Halvø, central West Greenland
Author(s) -
E.J Schiener,
J Perregaard
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
rapport
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2597-2944
pISSN - 0418-6559
DOI - 10.34194/rapggu.v102.7724
Subject(s) - sill , kerogen , geology , basalt , igneous rock , cretaceous , organic matter , sedimentary rock , geochemistry , mineralogy , range (aeronautics) , paleontology , source rock , chemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , structural basin , composite material
Thermal effects of igneous intrusions on sedimentary organic matter indicate that organic compounds are more stable under geologically short but intense exposure to high temperature compared to those affected by slow burial. In the immediate contact zone a drastic reduction occurs in kerogen content, accompanied by high reflectance values. The presence in this zone of n-alkanes in the C15–C20 range suggests hydrogenation of kerogen. Heat effects are still recognisable at a distance of three times the thickness of the intrusive body.