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Microbial origin of Australian coalbed methane

Journal Article · · AAPG Bulletin
OSTI ID:272598
;  [1]
  1. Petroleum Resources and Coal and Energy Technology (Australia)
Bituminous coal seam gases from the Permian Sydney and Bowen basins, Australia, are characterized by (1) methane/ethane ratios greater than or equal to 1000, (2) {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}D values for methane of -60 {plus_minus} 10{per_thousand} PDB and -217 {plus_minus} 17{per_thousand} SMOW, respectively, (3) carbon dioxide contents of less than 5%, and (4) {delta}{sup 13}C(CO{sub 2}-CH{sub 4}) values of 55 {plus_minus} 10{per_thousand} PDB. These data suggest that microbial reduction of CO{sub 2} rather than traditional thermogenic reactions is mainly responsible for gas composition. Invasions by CO{sub 2} of deep-seated external origins are readily recognized by their isotopic compositions (-7 {plus_minus} 2{per_thousand} PDB).
OSTI ID:
272598
Journal Information:
AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 80; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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