The lipids of hydrothermal formations on the area 14 degrees 45 ' N and 29degrees N, mid-Atlantic ridge

The lipid component in hydrothermal deposits of the abnormal 14 degrees 45' N field and the 29 degrees N field typical for the MAR were studies. For t he first time with the use of biochemical, gas chromatographic (GS) and mol ecular methods (GC-MS) researches succeeded to established mixed nature of the organic matter (OM) including phytoplanktonogenous, chemosynthesized li pids and the lipids produced by abiogenously synthesized. Specific localiza tion conditions of the sulphide ores of the "Black Smokers" (oxygen-free me dium, presence of reduced sulfur which present OM degradation) facilitate p reservation of biogenous material including bacteria all substance. The 14 degrees 45' N hydrothermal system is characterized by the following geologi c, geochemical and thermodynamic conditions favourable for abiogenous synth esis of CH4 and oil hydrocarbons (HC): serpentinization of ultrabasic rocks , high pressure and temperature (>500 degrees C), reducing environment, pre sence of various metal oxides. In the typical MAR 29 degrees N hydrothermal system abiogenous synthesis of HC goes though to considerable lesser exten t.