Controls on porphyrin concentrations of Pennsylvanian organic-rich shales, Western U.S.A.

Organic-rich black shales of Middle Pennsylvanian (Desmoinesian) age occur over much of the central U.S. and as far west as the northern Denver and southeastern Powder River basins. Total organic carbon contents (Corg) are commonly greater than 10 wt %. Porphyrin concentrations (vanadyl + nickel) are as high as 40000 ppm relative to extractable bitumen. In bulk, the organic matter contained in the shales is mostly type II and III (Rock-Eval hydrogen indexes 200-400 mg of hydrocarbons/g of Corg). The finding of high porphyrin concentrations in type III organic matter is unusual but can be explained by a depositional model wherein high preservation of primary organic production (water column photosynthesis) is combined with substantial input of allochthonous organic matter. The allochthonous organic matter (low porphyrin concentration) may come from erosion during advance of the sea across the area or from fluvial transport from shore.