Deep-earth-gas hypothesis

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Sci. Am.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0680-154· OSTI ID:6070499

Gold, T; Soter, S

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and outgassing phenomena all point to a release of gases generated from primordial hydrocarbons at deep levels in the earth. Buried under conditions of high pressure and temperature, these original, nonbiological hydrocarbons liberate methane as the principal mobile component. The methane migrates up toward the earth's surface where it is (1) liberated through faults, (2) oxidized to CO/sub 2/ in hot volcanic lava, (3) trapped below impermeable strata, or (4) dissolved in hydrocarbon deposits of biological origin. If this theory is correct, large quantities of gas exist in deep, but still accessible, regions 15,000-30,000 ft below the earth's surface.

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY
• OSTI ID: 6070499
• Journal Information: Sci. Am.; (United States), Journal Name: Sci. Am.; (United States) Vol. 242; ISSN SCAMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030100* -- Natural Gas-- Reserves-- (-1989)
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALKANES
EARTHQUAKES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
METHANE
NATURAL GAS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORIGIN
PETROGENESIS
RESERVES
RESOURCES
SEISMIC EVENTS
VOLCANOES