Role of Microbes in the Smectite-to-Illite Reaction
Abstract
Temperature, pressure, and time have been thought to control the smectite-to-illite (S-I) reaction, an important diagenetic process used for petroleum exploration. We demonstrated that microorganisms can promote the S-I reaction by dissolving smectite through reduction of structural Fe(III) at room temperature and I atmosphere within 14 days This reaction typically requires conditions of 300 to 35O C, 100 megapascals, and 4 to 5 months in the absence of microbial activity. These results challenge the conventional concept of the S-I reaction and of reaction kinetic models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 24, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA425956
Entities
People
- Dennis D. Eberl
- Hailiang Dong
- Jennifer Seabaugh
- Jinwook Kim
- Steven Newell
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory