We investigated the solvent-extractable hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, and carboxylic acids of two Quaternary sediments from the Middle America Trench (Sections 487-2-3 and 491-1-5). These lipids are derived from a mixed input of autochthonous and allochthonous materials, with minor contributions from thermally mature sources. Their compositions are typical of those of immature Quaternary marine sediments, and their lipid distributions show many similarities to those of Japan Trench sediments.

Supplement to: Brassell, Simon C; Eglinton, Geoffrey; Maxwell, James R (1982): Preliminary lipid analyses of two Quaternary sediments from the Middle America Trench, southern Mexico Transect, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 66. In: Watkins, JS; Casey Moore, J; et al. (eds.), Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (U.S. Govt. Printing Office), 66, 557-580