Catagenesis is the process through which organic matter is transformed into hydrocarbons, primarily occurring under conditions of increased temperature and pressure over geological time. It is a critical phase in the formation of fossil fuels, following diagenesis and preceding metagenesis in the maturation of organic material into oil and natural gas.

Catagenesis

Organic matter is a crucial component of soil that consists of plant and animal residues at various stages of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil organisms, and substances synthesized by soil organisms. It plays a vital role in soil fertility, water retention, and carbon cycling, impacting both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

organic matter

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms, serving as the primary constituents of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. They are categorized into alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms, and play a crucial role in energy production and chemical manufacturing.

hydrocarbons

increased temperature

pressure over geological time

formation of fossil fuels

Diagenesis refers to the physical, chemical, and biological changes that sediments undergo after initial deposition and during and after lithification, excluding surface weathering. It plays a crucial role in the transformation of sediments into sedimentary rock and can significantly alter the porosity and permeability of these rocks, impacting reservoir quality in petroleum geology.

diagenesis

Metagenesis is a biological phenomenon where an organism alternates between two distinct forms, typically involving asexual and sexual reproduction phases. This process is crucial for species that rely on environmental adaptability and genetic diversity to thrive across varying conditions.

metagenesis

maturation of organic material

Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane, used as an energy source for heating, electricity generation, and as industrial feedstock. It is considered a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels due to its lower carbon dioxide emissions when burned, but its extraction and transportation can result in methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas.

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