A.A. Krylov, E.A. Logvina
Role of hydrocarbons in crystallization of ikaite (CaCO₃ ∙ 6H₂O)
DOI 10.47148/0016-7894-2026-2-95-105
Key words: ikaite; hydrocarbons; oxygen and carbon isotopes; methane; authigenic carbonates.
For citation: Krylov A.A., Logvina E.A. Role of hydrocarbons in crystallization of ikaite (CaCO₃ ∙ 6H₂O). Geologiya nefti i gaza. 2026;(2):95–105. DOI: 10.47148/0016-7894-2026-2-95-105. In Russ.
Funding: This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, grant № 23-27-0045..
The paper demonstrates the hydrocarbon influence on ikaite (CaCO₃ ∙ 6H₂O) formation that is a calcium carbonate hexahydrate commonly found in sediments of polar and subpolar seas. The relevance of the study stems from the impact of hydrocarbon generation and oxidation on increasing dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations, thereby promoting the formation of authigenic carbonates. For this reason, carbonates are the principal authigenic minerals in gas seeps and mud volcanoes; they are also frequently encountered in wells drilled within oil and gas fields. Diagenetic degradation of Organic Matter in seafloor sediments within the sulfate reduction zone is considered the primary mechanism of ikaite crystallization, as this process causes the release of phosphate ions into pore waters, inhibiting the formation of anhydrous calcium carbonates. Another mechanism stabilizing ikaite is microbial methane generation below the sulfate reduction zone, which also contributes to increased phosphate ion concentrations. Anaerobic oxidation of methane does not release phosphate ions and therefore acts only as a secondary factor in ikaite formation, mainly by increasing total alkalinity. Theoretically, ikaite may also crystallize during the formation or dissociation of gas hydrates, which should result in anomalous oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions (δ18O and δD).
Aleksey A. Krylov ORCiD Scopus
Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences,
Leading researcher
VNIIOkeangeologia,
124а, Moika River Embankment, 190121, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
e-mail: akrylow@mail.ru
SPIN-код: 6932-8599
Elizaveta A. Logvina ORCiD Scopus
Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences,
Leading Researcher
VNIIOkeangeologia,
124а, Moika River Embankment, 190121, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
e-mail: liza_logvina@mail.ru
SPIN: 9341-0621
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Section: Geochemical surveys