Abstract
The sharply decreasing concentrations for individual light hydrocarbons over the near-surface intervals from several organic matter-bearing shale outcrops indicate that diffusion towards the lithosphere/atmosphere interface is a continuous process. Diffusion coefficients calculated are between 10−6 and 10−8 cm2 s−1 for propane to heptane-range hydrocarbons.
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Leythaeuser, D., Schaefer, R. & Yükler, A. Diffusion of light hydrocarbons through near-surface rocks. Nature 284, 522–525 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/284522a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/284522a0
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