Preservation and Destruction of Biomarkers in Neoproterozoic Evaporites of the 800 Ma Bitter Springs Formation, Amadeus Basin, Central Australia

Abstract

'Results from this study indicate, that HC preservation in Mount Charlotte-1 is not controlled by burial depth, but by thermal maturity which appears to be controlled by hydrothermal activity. HC samples show distinct diamondoid and isotope characteristics. MAI seems to be a valid maturity indicator, with great potential for Precambrian settings where maturity is difficult to determine. The HC preservation threshold is around 1.5% Vr(MAI). Hydrothermal activity might be responsible for apparent maturity discrepancies across the eastern Amadeus Basin with potentially great impacts for HC exploration and the search for Precambrian biomarkers.' The bulk data is summarised pp. 50. -- from abstract