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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 69 (1985)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1437

Last Page: 1437

Title: Applications of Surface Geochemical Prospecting for Shale Gas Exploration in Western Appalachian Basin: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Darioush T. Ghahremani, Philip O. Banks

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Results of a regional radiometric survey in northeastern Ohio revealed several sites where anomalous values of radon, hydrocarbons, and associated gases were found. Laboratory analysis of soil-gas samples and comparisons between radon activities at anomalous sites and scintillometer readings at the same sites indicate that the anomalous gas components are of bedrock origin.

Deeper soil-gas hydrocarbon sampling techniques and various film cups and electronic detectors were used to interpret the significance of radon-hydrocarbon relationship. Highly sensitive FID and TCD gas chromatographs were used to separate and measure soil-gas light hydrocarbons (C1-C4) and associated gases.

Results were consistent with earlier anomalous values for total hydrocarbons C2/C1, and C2/C3 ratios in areas of higher radon activities, supporting the hypothesis of gases leaking from depth. Gas components considered to be particularly significant in this regard are the light (C2-C4) hydrocarbons, He, H2, H2S, and CO2, because the presence of high CH4 may partly result from microbial or chemical reactions in the soil or subsurface bed rock. Deeper soil-gas hydrocarbon compositions, as measured by ratios of C1/C2, C1/Cn, and C3/C1 × 1,000, were found to be more consistent with known samples of Devonian sha e gas than with Clinton or other gases in Ohio. This compositional relationship offers support for the viability of radon/hydrocarbon soil-gas prospecting. Recent blowouts in eastern Ohio where soil-gas anomalies were discovered prior to actual drillings also support this conclusion.

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