The nature and origin of light hydrocarbon gases associated with mineralization in the Northern Pennines

Earlier studies have shown the occurrence of anomalous amounts of methane in rocks associated with lead/zinc mineralization in a number of deposits in the British Isles and Europe. This has led to speculation that the gas may have originated either as a consequence of reactions involved in the mineralization process or as a result of maturation of the organic matter in the sediment or from a deep source. New data are presented showing the distribution of light hydrocarbon gases from fluid inclusions in minerals from the North and South Pennine Orefields which differ from those observed in the host rocks. Possible sources for the gases in the host rocks and the minerals are examined. Based on the close correlation between the distribution of the gases in the carbonate rocks of Northern England and the conodont colour alteration index map for the area, it is suggested that the anomalous amounts of methane gas in the Northern Pennine host rocks are the result of maturation prior to mineralization. The distribution of gases in the fluid inclusions in the minerals serves as a distinguishing feature, and two assemblages are recognized from the South Pennine Orefield, both of which are distinct from that of the Northern Pennines. It is concluded that these gases, trapped at the time of mineralization, originate as a consequence of reactions which occurred during mineral deposition.