On the usefulness of sulfur isotope ratios in crude oil correlations

Sulfur isotope analyses have been completed for twelve samples of marine Jurassic oils from a single basin, and are presented along with previous chemical analyses of the same oils (Seifert and Moldowan, 1978). Two isotopic anomalies are discussed in light of correlational analyses, and show that sulfur isotope ratios, when used with other chemical variables, are sensitive indicators of subtle changes in initial source input. Measurements of δ34S in correlational studies of crude oil characterization and identification are recommended.