Hinrichs, Kai-Uwe; Hayes, John M.; Bach, Wolfgang; Spivack, Arthur J.; Hmelo, Laura R.; Holm, Nils G.; Johnson, Carl G.; Sylva, Sean P. (2006): Biological formation of ethane and propane in the deep marine subsurface. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, United States, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 103 (40), 14684-14689, georefid:2010-085986

Abstract:
Concentrations and isotopic compositions of ethane and propane in cold, deeply buried sediments from the southeastern Pacific are best explained by microbial production of these gases in situ. Reduction of acetate to ethane provides one feasible mechanism. Propane is enriched in (super 13) C relative to ethane. The amount is consistent with derivation of the third C from inorganic carbon dissolved in sedimentary pore waters. At typical sedimentary conditions, the reactions yield free energy sufficient for growth. Relationships with competing processes are governed mainly by the abundance of H (sub 2) . Production of C (sub 2) and C (sub 3) hydrocarbons in this way provides a sink for acetate and hydrogen but upsets the general belief that hydrocarbons larger than methane derive only from thermal degradation of fossil organic material.
Coverage:
West: -110.3500 East: -77.5500 North: 3.5000 South: -12.0500
Relations:
Expedition: 201
Site: 201-1226
Site: 201-1227
Site: 201-1228
Site: 201-1229
Site: 201-1230
Site: 201-1231
Supplemental Information:
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Research Center Ocean Margins RCOM Publ. No. 418
Data access:
Provider: SEDIS Publication Catalogue
Data set link: http://sedis.iodp.org/pub-catalogue/index.php?id=10.1073/pnas.0606535103 (c.f. for more detailed metadata)
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