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Sedimentary organic matter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sedimentary organic matter includes the organic carbon component of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The organic matter is usually a component of sedimentary material even if it is present in low abundance (usually lower than 1%). Petroleum (or oil) and natural gas are particular examples of sedimentary organic matter. Coals and bitumen shales are examples of sedimentary rocks rich in sedimentary organic matter.

Origin

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Organic matter is essentially synthesized from mineral carbon (CO2) by autotroph organisms living at the boundaries between the geosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere.