Organic geochemistry of DSDP Site 467

Results of the analyses of twenty-three samples from the Middle Miocene to Lower Pliocene strata from DSDP Site 467, offshore California, are presented. The analyses were performed with the aim of determining the origin of the organic matter, the stratigraphic section's hydrocarbon generation potential and extent of organic diagenesis. Organic carbon contents are an order of magnitude greater than those typically found in deep sea sediments, suggesting an anoxic depositional environment and elevated levels of primary productivity. Hydrocarbon generation potentials are above average for most samples. The results of elemental analyses indicate that the kerogens are primarily composed of type II organic matter and are thermally immature. Analysis of the bitumen fractions confirms that the samples are immature. In cores from 541 to 614 meters, the gas chromatograms of the C15+ non-aromatic hydrocarbon fractions are dominated by a single peak which was identified as 17*(H), 18*(H), 21beta(H)-28, 30-bisnorhopane. This interval is the same area in which the highest degrees of anoxia are observed as reflected by the lowest pristane/phytane ratios. This correlation may have some implications with regard to the origin of the bisnorhopane and its possible use as an indicator of anoxic depositional conditions within thermally immature sediments.