The theory of "fossil" origin of petroleum is unsustainable

 D.Antón

 More arguments for the mineral oil theory

 There is numerous proofs that hydrocarbons are abundant at the galactic and planetary level and as a consequence if can be inferred that in our planet they are too. Astronomical observations obtained through the study of light absorption in clouds of dust and gas in the galaxy and in the solar system bodies (planets, satellites, comets, meteorites) allowed to confirm the abundance of hydrocarbons almost everywhere. Obviously, these hydrocarbonaceous compounds did not originate from fossils. The question that immediately arises: Why should be different on Earth?  

The abiotic theory (non fossil theory) takes into account more adequately the data of reality. Oil, natural gas and associated hidrocarbons are of mineral origin and they are virtually inexhaustible in the short and medium term. The knowledge gained from recent space exploration, interplanetary probes and through images of the Hubble Space Telescope and new ground-based telescopes, allowed a differente look of our planet and the processes that occur in it.. The obtained information shows the relationship   between the various bodies of the solar system and the similarity of processes that gave rise to them. (see enclosed picture of methane lakes in Saturn's moon Titan)

The new data tend to confirm the theory of the formation of planets, planetoids and comets. by agglomeration of planetesimals (meteorites, asteroids, comets). In all of them carbon in its various forms (usually as hydrocarbons or carbon oxides) was found..

It is also considered that, subsequent to their initial formation, these bodies experienced heating due to gravitational contraction, radioactivity of certain elements and in later times through crystalline phase changes.

From the information available it also follows that the internal structure of planets (and satelllites or asteroids) was originally heterogeneous, and that, while some homogenization may have happened , many components of the original heterogeneity must still be present in the interior of the planetary bodies.

One of the main processes of their internal dynamism seems to be degassing. This involves the gradual rise of relatively light elements or compounds, assuming a gaseous state under near surface pressure ranges and temperature. The main molecules that are part of the gaseous envelopes of planets are nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide and water. Nitrogen is relatively abundant at the astronomical level, tends to surge upward and when their mass and gravity are sufficient to retain it, they form "nitrogen atmospheres" (as in the Earth). Because it iss chemically stable very little is combined with other elements during its ascent.
Carbon and hydrogen compounds, however, are ehemically more active, particularly in the presence of oxygenated minerals, such as metal oxides and sulphates. Fractures produced within planets due to distension and astronomical tides facilitate the ascent.

Methane (CH4) is the most common carbon molecule in the planetary interiors and when combined with oxygen,  generates CO2, CO and H2O.

These carbonaceous fluids are injected into solid rock masses generating lateral pressure in the fractures, widening and lubricating them. This produces movement of the crust blocks, producing earthquakes and gas and lava ejections.

When methane and other carbonaceous gases are obstructed in their rise by impermeable layers they can accumulate forming deposits of natural gas. If they continue in their ascent they may lose some of their hydrogen through oxidation becoming liquid hydrocarbons or "oil". If its rise is interrupted oil deposits are generated. The biotic theory, however, attributes these hydrocarbons to ancient organisms that were buried in ancient geological times and then "matured" forming gas and oil. Personally, I think that, this “fossil” hypothesis, although generally accepted, does not fit at all with the geological and extractive reality.

From "Inexhaustible? Gas & Petroleum", Danilo Antón, Piriguazú Editions

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