Application of Organic Geochemistry to Coastal Tar Residues from Central California

Tar residues are common on the coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These coastal tar residues have been washed ashore and usually occur on headlands near the high-tide line. In this study, 18 coastal tar residues were collected and analyzed to determine their carbon isotopic com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International geology review 2000-01, Vol.42 (1), p.1-14
Main Authors: Kvenvolden, Keith A., Rosenbauer, Robert J., Hostettler, Frances D., Lorenson, Thomas D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
02 PETROLEUM
BIOLOGICAL MARKERS
CALIFORNIA
CARBON 13
COASTAL REGIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GEOCHEMISTRY
ISOTOPE RATIO
Marine
OIL SPILLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
SAMPLING
SEEPS
TAR
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Summary:Tar residues are common on the coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These coastal tar residues have been washed ashore and usually occur on headlands near the high-tide line. In this study, 18 coastal tar residues were collected and analyzed to determine their carbon isotopic compositions and the values of selected biomarker ratios. All of the residues have very heavy ( 13 C-enriched) carbon isotopic compositions spanning a narrow range (δ 13 C = −22.2 to −23.4‰), and 28,30-bisnorhopane is present in all samples. These same geochemical characteristics are found in Monterey Formation oils from which the coastal tar residues were likely derived. These coastal residues could result from natural seeps or from accidental spills. Statistically the coastal tar residues can be organized into three groups, each of which may represent different spill or seep events. Seven samples of potential local representative sources for the tar residues were examined, but none could account for the coastal tars.
ISSN:0020-6814
1938-2839
DOI:10.1080/00206810009465067