Science · 2004 · 363 citations · 18 references
Natural SciencesChemistryGeologyCatalysisGeochemistryMarine GeologyHydrocarbon GenerationHydrothermal GeochemistryHydrothermal Vent ChemistryHydrothermal Vent GeologyHydrothermal Vent MicrobiologyHydrothermal Vent SystemsChromium CatalystsHydrothermal Vent CommunitiesMethane FormationMid-ocean Ridge Hydrothermal SystemsMineral-catalyzed ReactionsRock-water InteractionUltramafic RocksVent Microbial Communities
Fischer-Tropsch type (FTT) synthesis has long been proposed to account for the existence of hydrocarbons in hydrothermal fluids. We show that iron- and chromium-bearing minerals catalyze the abiotic formation of hydrocarbons. In addition to production of methane (CH4aq), we report abiotic generation of ethane (C2H6aq) and propane (C3H8aq) by mineral-catalyzed hydrothermal reactions at 390 degrees C and 400 bars. Results suggest that the chromium component in ultramafic rocks could be an important factor for FTT synthesis during water-rock interaction in mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems. This in turn could help to support microbial communities now recognized in the subsurface at deep-sea vents.
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An off-axis hydrothermal vent field near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 30° N
Deborah S. Kelley, Jeffrey A. Karson, Donna K. Blackman et al. · Nature · 2001 · 1.1K citations