Paleo- and Contemporary Environmental Implications of Humic Compounds

Abstract

The mineral matrix and fossil contents of sedimentary strata have generally been regarded as geological markers and geochemical indicators. They are valuable sources of information that can be used to determine the contemporary and paleoenvironmental conditions and processes of sedimentary strata. However, very few geologists realize that naturally occurring organic compounds are more sensitive to fluctuations in environmental forces than the mineral matrix and exert far greater influence on sedimentary reactions and transformations than expected. This is particularly true for highly complex organic substances, such as humic compounds, which are composed of a number of constituents, many of which are stable throughout geological time. Major, and even minor, changes in environmental parameters are recorded in the composition of these organic compounds. Such information can be decoded and used in many geological and geochemical interpretations.