| Abstract: | Crude oil biodegradation and related mineral deposition are taking place at the present time in the shallow caprock and overlaying Heterostegina limestone of the Damon Mound Salt Dome, Brazoria County, Texas. Scanning electron microscopy shows calcite, pyrite, and some elemental sulfur in intimate association with microbes, biodegraded crude oil, and gypsum. Similar processes, involving aerobic and anaerobic microbial activity, are suggested to explain the massive deposition of secondary minerals which occurred at Damon Mound in the geologic past. |
