Hi,
It is true that some theory exists saying the source for oil is not
formed from the decomposition of dead lifeforms, but bacteria. The
theory is widely attributed to Thomas Gold, Cornell University
Professor emeritus of astronomy.
The many molecules of unquestionably biological origin in petroleum -
hopanes, pristine, phytane, steranes, certain porphyrins - can all be
produced by bacteria, and such microbial life at depth is indeed now
seen to be widespread.
You may want to check out his book on the subject:
http://www.rbookshop.com/engineering/g/Geology/The_Deep_Hot_Biosphere_0387985468.htm
The Deep Hot Biosphere
His personal web site is located at
http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/tg21/.
If you go to the "Natural Gas and Oil" link:
http://people.cornell.edu/pages/tg21/Natgas.html
The many molecules of unquestionably biological origin in petroleum -
hopanes, pristine, phytane, steranes, certain porphyrins - can all be
produced by bacteria, and such microbial life at depth is indeed now
seen to be widespread.
Doing a Google search with the keywords
"Thomas Gold" oil bacteria
also brings other links that discuss the theory. Some of the links
include:
http://www.gsreport.com/articles/art000019.html
New Theory Says Oil Reserves Bigger Than Expected
http://www.discover.com/science_news/ancient/deep.html
Life is Deep
http://abob.libs.uga.edu/bobk/ccc/cc112598.html
Cambridge Conference Correspondence (Quoted from The Times, 25
November 1998: Is This How Life Really Began?)
Hope this helps
Regars
Bio
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