In a groundbreaking study, researchers Nore Stolte, Tao Li, and Ding Pan from the University of Michigan have uncovered a new pathway for hydrocarbon formation deep within the Earth’s mantle. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, challenge the traditional view that hydrocarbons are solely of biological origin and open up new possibilities for understanding the Earth’s carbon cycle and potential energy resources.
The team conducted extensive computer simulations to investigate the Fisher-Tropsch-type (FTT) process, which converts inorganic carbon into organic matter. Unlike industrial processes that use catalysts, the researchers found that hydrocarbons can form abiogenically, or without biological processes, in the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions of the Earth’s upper mantle. This process involves the polymerization of carbon monoxide (CO) into larger molecules containing carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.
The simulations revealed that supercritical water, which is abundant in deep Earth, does not prevent the formation of organic molecules but does limit their size and the extent of carbon reduction. This suggests that abiogenic hydrocarbons can form in a variety of geological settings, from dry environments to those rich in water.
The discovery of this abiogenic route for hydrocarbon synthesis has significant implications for the energy sector. These carbon-containing fluids could potentially migrate from deep within the Earth to shallower crustal reservoirs, contributing to the deep carbon cycle and influencing surface carbon budgets. This could lead to the discovery of new energy sources, particularly in regions where traditional oil and gas reserves are scarce.
Furthermore, understanding the abiogenic formation of hydrocarbons could have implications for the exploration of energy resources on other planets and moons, where biological processes are unlikely to have occurred. This research not only advances our knowledge of the Earth’s carbon cycle but also opens up new avenues for energy exploration and production.
The study, titled “Reactions of abiogenic hydrocarbons in Earth’s upper mantle,” was published in Nature Communications on November 1, 2023. The findings provide a new perspective on the origins of hydrocarbons and highlight the potential for discovering new energy sources in unexpected places. As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research offers a promising direction for future exploration and innovation.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.