Coal Bed Methane Potential of Northern Appalachian Basin

Jonathan Kelafant, Don Wicks, Vello Kuuskraa

Coal-bed methane in the northern part of the Appalachian basin represents a significant potential source of natural gas for the northeastern United States. The numerous, relatively thick and areally extensive coal beds of attractive rank and depth offer the promise of large, low-cost reserves of natural gas. The proximity of the supply source to northeastern markets and the location of the basin within an established pipeline infrastructure further enhance its economic outlook.

Lewin and Associates, Inc., under the sponsorship of the Gas Research Institute and with participation of numerous basin geologists, completed a resource economics study of coal bed methane in the northern part of the Appalachian basin. As part of this study, six major coal seams and groups have been targeted as holding the most potential for containing large volumes of gas: the Brookville-Clarion, Kittanning, Freeport, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, and Waynesburg coals. In addition to these major seams and groups, several less areally extensive coals are economical on a local level, particularly the Brush Creek and Mahoning coals in Pennsylvania.

The preliminary estimate of gas in place for the northern part of the Appalachian basin is between 50-100 tcf, with a considerable portion of this resource potentially economic at today's gas prices. The coal seams considered by this resource assessment study are at least 12 in. thick and with greater than 400 ft of overburden.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91041©1987 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Columbus, Ohio, October 7-10, 1987.