The biomarker properties and comparisons of Sahinali, Beypazari and Karapmar (Turkey) coaly Plio-Miocene depositions

Abstract

The distribution values of m/z 191 triterpane and m/z 217 sterane of coaly Plio Miocene units determined by GC-MS were used to compare biomarker properties of Sahinali, Beypazan and Karapmar areas located in Aydin, Ankara and Konya (Turkey) regions within this study. In the Sahinali region the Miocene units consist of conglomerate, coal, clayey coal, sandstone, siltstone, claystone, clayey limestone and silicified limestone. Middle Upper Miocene units of the Beypazan Basin are represented by conglomerate, agglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, claystone, coal, bituminous shale, limestone, and tuff. The Pliocene Karapmar area of interest, which is characterized by sandstone, siltstone, claystone, mudstone, lake and river bed coal deposits. When all the biomarker values are considered, it can be concluded that the organic matter is not mature. In two areas except Sahinali gammacerane is present indicating salinity. According to the C-27, C-28 and C-29 sterane distribution, it can be observed that the dominant organic matter is terrestrial based and accompanied by simple herbaceous and alg. The deposition conditions are seen to be anoxic even though some oxic depositions are found in areas. All the areas had oleananes indicating angiosperm presence. C-29/C-30 hophane ratio and decrease in C-31-C-35 peak height indicated detrial facies in all the areas. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.