Development of oil formation theories and their importance for peak oil
Abstract
This paper reviews the historical development of both biogenic and non-biogenic petroleum formation. It also examines the recent claim that the so-called "abiotic" oil formation theory undermines the concept of "peak oil," i.e. the notion that world oil production is destined to reach a maximum that will be followed by an irreversible decline. We show that peak oil is first and foremost a matter of production flows. Consequently, the mechanism of oil formation does not strongly affect depletion. We would need to revise the theory beyond peak oil only for the extreme - and unlikely - hypothesis of abiotic petroleum formation.
- Publication:
-
Marine and Petroleum Geology
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2010.06.005
- Bibcode:
- 2010MarPG..27.1995H
- Keywords:
-
- Oil formation theories;
- Abiotic oil;
- Peak oil;
- Extraction rate;
- Abiogenic petroleum