Abstract
Two research fields embraced by the concept "organic geochemistry" are discussed. The first includes works on the abiogenic formation of organic compounds and the second deals with studies on the phenomena involving the formation and transformations of fossil organic matter and its importance in geochemical processes. This branch of geochemistry has been defined by certain Soviet investigators as "geochemistry of organic matter".
The present review deals with modern studies on aminoacids, carbohydrates, lipids, porphyrin structures, carotenoids, aromatic compounds of the type of lignin, and flavonoids in contemporary and ancient deposits in connection with problems of petroleum and coal formation.
On the basis of the investigations described, the author of the review believes it to be possible to define the future tasks in the geochemistry of organic matter and rational procedures for carrying them out.
The bibliography includes 111 references.