Review of the stratigraphic distribution and diagenetic history of abelsonite
Abstract
Abelsonite is a crystalline nickel (II) porphyrin, derived from one of the chlorophylls, found only in the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation, an Eocene lacustrine deposit in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Since its original observation in 1969, numerous samples of abelsonite have been collected and their stratigraphic position within the formation plotted. It was observed that abelsonite occurs in six distinct narrow stratigraphic zones, which can be described with respect to the distribution of organic matter. The zones of abelsonite occurrence were designated M9, M7, M2, L6, L0, and K1 based on Green River Formation stratigraphic nomenclature. Abelsonite displays a secondary mode of occurrence, occurring in vugs, fractures, and along bedding lamina, strongly implying migration or movement. The origin of abelsonite can probably be attributed to the unique geochemical conditions of Lake Uinta, chlorophyll diagenesis, and the transport of an aqueous solution of a relatively insoluble precursor into sediments of favorable lithologic characteristics.
- Publication:
-
Organic Geochemistry
- Pub Date:
- 1989
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1989OrGeo..14..585M
- Keywords:
-
- abelsonite;
- crystalline nickel porphyrin;
- Green River Formation;
- stratigraphic distribution