--> Stable isotopic constraints on methane migration into groundwater and emissions to the atmosphere from unconventional natural gas extraction: Examples from OH, CO, TX

AAPG Eastern Section Meeting

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Stable isotopic constraints on methane migration into groundwater and emissions to the atmosphere from unconventional natural gas extraction: Examples from OH, CO, TX

Abstract

An increase in natural gas drilling and use has led to concerns about migration of flammable methane gas into local groundwater resources, as well as worries that increased emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, will overwhelm the carbon dioxide savings associated with using natural gas versus oil or coal. In this talk I will present an overview of studies investigating these issues and tracking sources of methane using the stable isotopes of carbon and hydrogen, which can distinguish between methane produced by thermogenic versus biogenic processes. The first part of the talk will describe an investigation of methane concentrations and isotopic composition along a time series of hydraulic fracturing activity in the Utica Shale drilling region of Ohio. The second part of the talk will explore several examples of how stable isotopes can help to constrain atmospheric methane emissions from natural gas production and use.