Natural Gas Exploration
Natural gas exploration refers to the process of searching for underground deposits of natural gas. It involves various activities aimed at discovering and assessing potential gas reservoirs for future extraction.
The process of natural gas exploration typically includes the following steps:
Geologists examines the subsurface geological formations to identify potential for natural gas reservoirs. They study the rock formations, sedimentary layers, and other geological features to determine the possibility of natural gas deposits.
Seismic exploration is commonly used to map the subsurface structures and identify potential gas-bearing formations. Seismic waves are generated by sources such as vibrating trucks or explosives and is recorded by sensors called geophones. The data collected creates a detailed image of the subsurface, revealing potential reservoirs and structural features.
If the seismic surveys indicate the presence of a potential gas reservoir, drilling is conducted to confirm its existence and evaluate its potential. The wells are typically deeper than those used for water supply wells to reach the gas-bearing rock formations.
During drilling, various tools are employed to collect data about the rock formations encountered. This includes well logging, where specialised instruments, such as logging tools or wireline tools, are lowered into the well to measure various properties of the rocks, such as porosity, permeability, and natural gas content. Core samples may also be taken, which involve extracting cylindrical samples of the rock for further analysis in laboratories.
It is important to note that natural gas can have environmental and social impacts. Environmental considerations, such as minimising habitat disturbance, protecting water resources, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, should be integral parts of the exploration process to ensure sustainable development.
