Abstract:

This dataset contains organic geochemical data from southern Gulf of Mexico sediments collected in August 2015. It includes information on sediment biomarker concentrations and bulk organic parameters.

Suggested Citation:

Lincoln, Sara. 2018. Organic geochemistry (hydrocarbon biomarkers and bulk organic properties) of seafloor sediments (depths 0-20 cm below seafloor) collected in the southern Gulf of Mexico in August 2015. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7N877VT

Purpose:

These analyses were made to determine petroleum component composition of southern Gulf of Mexico sediments that were potentially impacted by the 1979 Ixtoc oil spill and to understand persistence, attenuation and transformation of hydrocarbon signatures in deep sea sediments over time.

Data Parameters and Units:

Site name; Latitude (decimal degrees N); Longitude (decimal degrees W); Replicate; Date sampled (MM/DD/YYYY); Date analyzed (MM/DD/YYYY); Upper sediment depth (cm below seafloor); Lower sediment depth (cm below seafloor); Total organic carbon (TOC, weight %); Volatile hydrocarbons (S1, mg hydrocarbon/g sediment); Nonvolatile organic matter (S2, mg hydrocarbon/g sediment); CO2 produced during pyrolysis of kerogen-like material (S3, mg CO2/g sediment); Temperature of maximum hydrocarbon generation during pyrolysis of organic matter (Tmax, deg C); Hydrogen index (HI, mg hydrocarbon/g total organic carbon); Oxygen index (OI, mg CO2/g total organic carbon)

Methods:

Polar lipid extraction, silica gel chromatography, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry, pyrolysis, oxidation, Source Rock Analysis

Instruments:

GC-MS, LC-MS, Source Rock Analyzer

Error Analysis:

GCMS: We report % variability for internal standards run daily during analysis

Individual Files: