What is
Organic Petrology?

The answer can be found here.

Last modified 31 March 2010

Applications of Organic Petrology


Reflected light photomicrograph with antiflex interference colors showing mesophase of carbonized petroleum decant oil
Multi-faceted
Facets of organic petrology have found many applications in fundamental and applied earth sciences. Vitrinite reflectance measurements for example, are commonly used in petroleum exploration, coal rank determination, basin modeling, and minerals exploration. Maceral analysis is used in petroleum source rock characterization, blending of coals for coke-making, and interpretation of paleodepositional environments. Solvent extraction pyrolysis/GC/MS studies are used in oil/source rock correlations, and biomarker studies among others. Fluorescence microscopy is another commonly used method of characterizing the compositional evolution of sedimentary organic matter, particularly from the standpoint of oil generation during organic maturation.

A Bridge Among Disciplines

Transmitted light photomicrograph of brown coal showing plant cell structure
The study of sedimentary organic matter creates a natural linkage among different scientific disciplines, including: palynology (the study and classification of fossil spores and pollen); paleobotany (the study of ancient plants through their fossilized remains); fuel science & technology, including coal mining and processing, coke-making, oil-shale retorting, coal combustion, and coal conversion technologies; coal geology; petroleum geology; and organic chemistry.

More Information

Organic petrology and its applications are covered in these general reference works. These topics are also the focus of TSOP's annual meetings and publications.