noun
- plural of kerogen: organic matter in sedimentary rocks that can produce oil and gas when heated
Usage: geology; petroleum science
Examples
- The geologists analyzed kerogens from different rock formations.
- These kerogens have the potential to generate hydrocarbons under the right conditions.
- Oil shales contain various types of kerogens.
- The maturity of kerogens determines their hydrocarbon generation potential.
- Scientists studied the chemical composition of kerogens in the sediment samples.
- Different kerogens produce different ratios of oil to gas when heated.