[tpaine]

Whata clown. We are discussing the possible origins of petroleum, right?


Methane is a common non biological substance on earth, correct?

Thus, methane, in a deep hot area of our earth, could be converted to petroleum. -- Try to say it isn't possible.

And, -- try to tell us that the logic of the point is irrelevent.

[Cincinatus]

We are discussing the possible origins of petroleum, right?

I am. You're blithering about methane.

Methane is a common non biological substance on earth, correct?

I guess that depends on what you mean by "common." In the atmosphere, it's about 1.5 parts per million by weight. In the crust, it's much less than that. Is that "common"?

Thus, methane, in a deep hot area of our earth, could be converted to petroleum.

What's "deep"? Typically, volatile compounds decrease in abundance as you go deeper into the Earth. Gold's "core methane" (i.e., methane percolating up from the Earth's core) is simply his postulate -- it's never been observed or even proven to be feasible. He's also quite vague on the organic synthesis that transforms this putative methane into more complex organic moelcules. Maybe you could enlighten us on all that.

Try to say it isn't possible.

I said it was a crank idea. By that, I mean that we have abundant empirical and theoretical evidence that this is not the way petroleum is made. I'll leave decisions on the impossibility of natural phenomena to others. If you choose to believe in it, be my guest. Lots of people believe the most incredible things.

[Straight Vermonter]

Here is a relevant article on the subject for those (like me) who had no clue what you are bickering over.

[editor-surveyor]

"Methane is a common non biological substance on earth, correct?"

Strange statement!

Sewage treatment plants have to deal with tons of methane produced in biological decay every day. What is your definition of 'non-biological?'