John Hunt (oceanographer)

John Measham Hunt (1918 - 1991) was a pioneering American geochemist and oceanographer known for his significant contributions to the understanding of the origin and migration of petroleum.

Hunt received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Pennsylvania State University in 1941. He joined the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in 1945 and remained there for the duration of his career, becoming a Senior Scientist.

Hunt's research focused on the organic geochemistry of sediments and the processes involved in the formation of petroleum. He developed and refined analytical techniques for identifying and quantifying organic compounds in sedimentary rocks, providing key insights into the transformation of organic matter into crude oil and natural gas. His work helped establish the concept of the "oil window," the temperature range within which oil generation occurs.

His book, "Petroleum Geochemistry and Geology," published in 1979, became a standard text in the field and remains highly influential. It synthesized a vast amount of information on the sources, composition, migration, and alteration of petroleum, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the origin of oil and gas reservoirs.

Hunt's research also extended to the study of deep-sea sediments and the role of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter in the marine environment. His contributions significantly advanced our understanding of the carbon cycle in the ocean and the fate of organic carbon in marine sediments.

He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Alfred E. Treibs Award from the Geochemical Society. His legacy continues to shape the field of organic geochemistry and petroleum exploration.