Kerogen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Kerogen is a solid organic material found in sedimentary rocks. It is the precursor to petroleum and natural gas, formed from the decomposition of ancient plants and algae under heat and pressure over time.
Definition:
Insoluble organic matter in sedimentary rocks, precursor to fossil fuels like oil and gas.
Synonyms:
organic sediment, bitumen, carbonaceous material
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
inorganic matter, crystalline mineral
Common Collocations:
shale deposits, sedimentary rock, oil generation, thermal maturation
Derivatives:
kerogenous, kerogen-rich
Usage Tips:
Use "kerogen" when discussing geological processes or fossil fuel formation in scientific contexts.
Common Phrases:
kerogen-rich shale, thermal cracking of kerogen, immature kerogen
Etymology:
From Greek "keros" (wax) + "-gen" (producing), referring to its waxy hydrocarbon properties.
Examples:
- 1. Kerogen forms from ancient organic material under heat and pressure.
- 2. Geologists study kerogen to predict oil reserves in shale formations.
- 3. Kerogen does not dissolve in common organic solvents like petroleum.
- 4. The thermal breakdown of kerogen releases hydrocarbons over millions of years.