Hydrocarbon Burial & Preservation + How Different Types of Fossil Fuels Form | GEO GIRL

This video covers how hydrocarbons become preserved in the rock record, what minerals are associated with hydrocarbon deposits, how microorganisms affect/promote hydrocarbon preservation, and how different types of hydrocarbons (heavy versus light hydrocarbons/fossil fuels) form. First, we discuss the reason for large fossil fuel deposits in the rock record. For many years, anoxic conditions (oxygen depleted conditions) were used to explain the preservation of large accumulations of hydrocarbons. Now, however, we know that an increase in primary productivity is the main factor promoting the accumulation and preservation of hydrocarbons.
Second, we discuss how different types of fossil fuels, such as oils vs gas, form. Labile organic material breaks down to form heavy hydrocarbons, oils. More resistant organic material forms light hydrocarbons, gases. The most refractory organic material forms graphite.
Third, we discuss ways that microbes are used to help extract oil from Earth, such as dissolving associated minerals, producing gases that increase the pressure pushing the oil out, and/or producing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
Fourth, we discuss how microbes can be used to clean oil spills or other fossil fuel contamination.
Lastly, we discuss the minerals that are associated with hydrocarbon deposits, such as carbonates, phosphates, and amorphous silica.

References: Geomicrobiology: https://amzn.to/2WAloTR
Biology of Microorganisms: https://amzn.to/3kQqIuD

GEO GIRL Website: https://www.geogirlscience.com/ (visit my website to see all my courses, shop merch, learn more about me, and donate to support the channel if you'd like!)

0:00 video outline
1:01 fossil fuel deposits are a mystery?
3:17 does anoxia promote hydrocarbon preservation?
4:54 the role of primary productivity
5:54 the role of bioturbation & burrowers
7:56 how different types of fossil fuels form
10:03 how microbes hinder fossil fuel extraction
10:39 how microbes help fossil fuel extraction
11:51 how microbes help clean up oil spills
13:43 hydrocarbon associated minerals
18:38 upcoming videos & references

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Oxygen by D. Canfield: https://amzn.to/3gffbCL
Brief history of Earth by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/3w3hC1I
Life on young planet by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/2RBMpny
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Oxygen by N. Lane: https://amzn.to/3z4FgwZ
Alien Oceans by K. Hand: https://amzn.to/3clMx1l
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