Thermal and microbial gas generation, accumulation and dissipation in coal basins: role of sorptive storage capacity evolution

• Applicant: Dr. Bernhard M. Krooß
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 40628793

The project is designed to improve the understanding of generation, migration and dissipation of coal-related gas in the course of the geological history of sedimentary basins, with special consideration of the influence of sorption and desorption processes on the compositional and isotopic signature. The main study area will be the SW Upper Silesian Basin, Czechia, where the occurrence of gases of both, thermal and microbial signature has been documented previously. During this project the applicability of TDL (Tunable Diode Laser) NIR (Near Infrared) Spectroscopy for the rapid simultaneous assessment of the isotopic composition of methane and CO2 in gases shall be tested. Based on laboratory measurements of sorption characteristics of methane and CO2 on coals of different composition and rank, conceptual models will be developed to describe the degree of gas saturation, gas losses and replenishment of coal seams. The sensitivity of the processes to the decisive control factors and the influence on the original gas composition will be analysed. The results will be discussed with respect to the impacts of natural and anthropogenically induced gas leakage to the atmosphere, regional and global methane and CO2 budgets, and the potential contributions to unconventional energy sources.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Participating Persons: Dr. Andreas Busch; Dr. Juraj Francu; Professor Dr. Ralf Littke