Geoinformatika 2011; 3 : 5-25

POSSIBILITY OF MOBILE GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGIES DURING METHANE ACCUMULATIONS IN COAL BASINS AND OTHER NON-TRADITIONAL FOSSIL FUELS PROSPECTING AND EXPLORATION

Levashov S.P., Yakymchuk N.A., Korchagin I.N.

The results of experimental application in 2001–2010 of nontraditional geoelectric methods of forming short-pulsed electromagnetic field (FSPEF) and vertical electric-resonance sounding (VERS), as well as a new method of remote sensing (RS) data processing for the free gas (methane) accumulations prospecting within the coal-bearing rocks distribution are given. They indicate that the anomaly of the “pool of free gas (methane)” type can be detected and mapped by areal FSPEF method survey. The bedding depths and thicknesses of the anomalous polarized layers (APL) of “gas” type are determined by VERS sounding. Special method of remote sensing data processing also allows you to select and map operatively the anomalies of the “pool of free gas” type. The experiment results testify of practical possibility of the FSPEF–VERS technology and method of remote sensing (RS) data processing using for the free gas (methane) accumulations exploration and prospecting within the coal mines and coal-bearing series spreading. The same techniques can be used also for the accumulations of other non-traditional fossil fuel prospecting – shale gas, hydrocarbon accumulations in the crystalline rocks, hydrogen and gas-hydrates. The broad application of mobile operative technologies at various stages of different types hydrocarbon accumulations prospecting will accelerate and optimize the exploration process in general.

Keywords: geoelectric survey, electric-resonance sounding, deposit type anomaly, free gas, shale gas, methane, coal mine.