Role of Microbes in the Smectite-to-Illite Reaction
Temperature, pressure, and time have been thought to control the smectiteto-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 1 atmosphere within 14 days. This reaction typically requires conditions of 300?? to 350??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.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2004 |
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Title | Role of Microbes in the Smectite-to-Illite Reaction |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1093245 |
Authors | J. Kim, H. Dong, J. Seabaugh, Steven W. Newell, D. D. Eberl |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Science |
Index ID | 70027448 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |