Assignment No 1

Name: Micaiah Cyril Das

Course: Petroleum

Reg # 11PWCHE0645

Lecturer: Engr. Unsia Habib

Section: B

Due Date: 26-02-2015

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Petroleum Occurrence
Petroleum
Petroleum is, a word derived from medieval Latin petroleum, Latin for rock oil. In its natural
existing state, it is a yellow-black liquid found in various different rocky stratas under the earth
surface. Common practice includes refining of raw petroleum into different fuels.[1],[2]
Formation and Occurrence
Petroleum is formed by the combination of various hydrocarbons, under extreme pressure, with
mineral rocks, such as sedimentary or igneous rocks etc. . There are actually two theories to the
occurrence of Petroleum; the Organic theory and the Inorganic theory. The later adheres to the
fact that petroleum finds its origin from the earths interior, as a result of chemical reactions
taking place under conditions of high temperature and pressure in the absence of organic matter.
The former, gives a more realistic and generally approved concept that petroleum originated
from the hydrogen and carbon source in the earth crust, e.g. decaying plants etc., and
accumulated in the earths crust.[3]
1. Inorganic Theory
Berthelot and Dmitri Mendeleev Presented a hypothesis, called the deep seated terrestrial
hypothesis. The suggested that Iron oxide in the earths mantle would react with the
leaching or percolating water from the earths surface to produce Methane gas.
Another hypothesis, known as the extraterrestrial hypothesis, was presented by Sokoloff.
He presented that hydrocarbons precipitated as rain from the original Nebular matter
from which the Solar System was formed. The hydrocarbons were then ejected earths
interior onto Surface rocks.
The major problems that the inorganic theory faced were:
Lack of field evidence
Accumulation of petroleum only restricted to sedimentary rocks
No Accumulation in igneous and metamorphic rocks

2. Organic Theory
The Early marine life form on earth were primarily plankton. These are rich in hydrogen
and carbon. Over 95% of the living matter in the ocean is plankton. Now as time passed
and they died, their remains were brought together due to erosion and sedimentation.
With time, successive rich layers of organic mud started covering the preceding layers,
and hence created layers on the sea floor rich in fossil remains of previous life.

A phenomenon known as thermal maturation, slowly converted the organic matter into oil
and gas, over a period of millions of years. This conversion is known as catagenesis,
occurring usually under anaerobic conditions.[3]

References:
[1] www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1357080/petroleum-production;
Accessed on 02-25-2015
[2] www.eoearth.org/view/article/152839 ;
Accessed on 2-25-2015
[3] Class Notes