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The study of nitrogen (NH{sub 4}{sup +}) diagenesis associated with hydrocarbon occurrences is intended to aid in predicting favorable areas of petroleum exploration and recovery by establishing a better understanding of the interaction of organic maturation products with clastic sedimentary sequences. This research has indicated that fixed-NH{sub 4} in clays preserves anomalous NH{sub 4}{sup +} abundances, thus recording a significant reaction in the maturation of hydrocarbons which correlates with the oil window. Fixed-NH{sub 4} concentrations are independent of total organic carbon content, but increase with organic maturity in source rocks (up to T{approx}140 C). The authors have found anomalously high fixed-NH{sub 4} concentrations in oil and gas reservoirs, and in sandstones that may have acted as migration conduits for a nearby oilfield. The remainder of the project period will be spent completing publications, and finalizing the interpretation of results on fixed-NH{sub 4} in the Salton Sea (SSDP) and Monterey Fm. The data that authors have collected from these areas will allow them to examine the effect of high temperatures and high-N organic matter (prevalent on the west coast) on levels of NH{sub 4}-fixation. The authors will also develop some preliminary ideas on the mechanism of NH{sub 4}{sup +} oxidation responsiblemore » for high-N{sub 2} (gas) reservoirs such as Sorrento Field, Colorado.« less