Woody terrestrial source material that typically generates gas is what type of kerogen?

Woody terrestrial source material that typically generates gas is what type of kerogen?

• A. Type III
• B. Type II
• C. Type I
• D. Type IV

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is which kerogen type corresponds to woody terrestrial material and is gas-prone. Kerogen types are linked to the original organic matter and its hydrogen content, which determines whether maturation yields oil or gas. Woody terrestrial material is rich in plant-derived polymers and relatively low in hydrogen, so as it matures it tends to release gas (primarily methane) rather than liquids. This pattern identifies Type III kerogen as the gas-prone, terrestrial-origin type. In contrast, Type II kerogen comes from marine organic matter and is more oil-prone, while Type I is highly oil-prone from algal/freshwater sources, and Type IV is largely inert with little hydrocarbon potential. So, woody terrestrial material that typically generates gas corresponds to Type III kerogen.

The concept being tested is which kerogen type corresponds to woody terrestrial material and is gas-prone. Kerogen types are linked to the original organic matter and its hydrogen content, which determines whether maturation yields oil or gas. Woody terrestrial material is rich in plant-derived polymers and relatively low in hydrogen, so as it matures it tends to release gas (primarily methane) rather than liquids. This pattern identifies Type III kerogen as the gas-prone, terrestrial-origin type. In contrast, Type II kerogen comes from marine organic matter and is more oil-prone, while Type I is highly oil-prone from algal/freshwater sources, and Type IV is largely inert with little hydrocarbon potential. So, woody terrestrial material that typically generates gas corresponds to Type III kerogen.