Organic geochemical characterization of a Miocene core sample from Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canadian High Arctic

Extremely well preserved sedimentary deposits in the Haughton impact structure (HIS) provide a unique record of the post-impact Miocene lacustrine depositional environment. Detailed organic geochemical characterization of a hydrocarbon-impregnated band found in a core from the crater-lake sedimentary infill reveals a complex source history for the hydrocarbons. These include contributions from eroded pre- and post-impact formations together with inputs from contemporaneous flora and fauna, a deep, possibly lower Paleozoic petroleum as well as a contribution from hydrothermally altered organic biopolymers. Geochemical data coupled with paleolimnology and geology proves to be a valuable tool for studying the provenance of hydrocarbons associated with the HIS and can give insights, not only into the post-impact geology, but also into processes that may contribute to the generation of petroleum fluids at other impact sites.