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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Methane Entrained in Gulf Coast Geopressured
Aquifers
By
Throughout the Gulf Coast region, substantial quantities
of methane are contained within Tertiary sediments that
exhibit abnormally high temperature and pressure gradients.
The concentration of methane, which occurs as dispersed free
gas and as solution gas, is directly related to formation
temperature and fluid pressure and inversely related to
salinity of formation waters. Multiple tests of geopressured
aquifers have yielded between 20 and 55 scf/bbl of gas
composed primarily of methane, but containing substantial
quantities of CO2.
The thickest sandstone reservoirs were deposited near
the shelf margin in deltaic and strandplain environments,
whereas surrounding thick shales of prodelta, shelf, and slope
origin act as permeability barriers that retard migration of
fluids. Successful development of these unconventional
energy resources depends primarily on the (1 ) structural and
stratigraphic continuity of sandstone aquifers, (2) porosity,
permeability, rock compressibility, and drive that together
determine reservoir quality, and (3)fluid properties within the
reservoir. These factors determine the ability of aquifers to
produce large volumes of hot, high pressure fluids at rapid
rates for extensive periods of time. End_of_Record - Last_Page 6---------------