Department of Mineral Resources Geological Survey

Project 2:
Title: Groundwater Geochemical Investigations of Methanogenesis in Coal-Bearing Regions of the Williston Basin
Description: Natural gas can be generated from microbial activity in stratigraphic units rich in organics, such as coal and black shales. Methane generated by microorganisms (biogenic methane) is related to formation water chemistries and available sources of organics. In this cooperative USGS-NCRDS/NDGS project, an understanding of the conditions favorable for the generation of methane (i.e. methanogenesis), in areas containing low-rank coals (lignite), is being investigated.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Jennifer C. MacIntosh (USGS/University of Arizona), Fred J. Anderson (NDGS-Supporting)
Current Activity: Groundwater geochemical sampling and analysis is currently underway for areas of interest along the eastern flank of the Williston Basin.
Projected Completion Date: Decmeber 31, 2011

The NDGS is currently involved in several activities related to characterizing the shallow gas potential of North Dakota. Two geological investigations, with an ongoing field component, are underway:



Project 1: Title: Coalbed Methane\Shallow Gas Field Screening Description: In this project, ground-water wells, located throughout the coal-bearing regions of North Dakota, and in central and eastern North Dakota, are being field screened for the presence of shallow natural gas. Detected potential gas concentrations provide potential indicators for shallow gas sourcing and accumulation. Principle Investigators: Fred J. Anderson (NDGS) Current Activity: Field screening ground-water wells for the presence of shallow gas with a portable flame-ionization detector (FID). Projected Completion Date: June 30, 2010

Project 2: Title: Groundwater Geochemical Investigations of Methanogenesis in Coal-Bearing Regions of the Williston Basin Description: Natural gas can be generated from microbial activity in stratigraphic units rich in organics, such as coal and black shales. Methane generated by microorganisms (biogenic methane) is related to formation water chemistries and available sources of organics. In this cooperative USGS-NCRDS/NDGS project, an understanding of the conditions favorable for the generation of methane (i.e. methanogenesis), in areas containing low-rank coals (lignite), is being investigated. Principle Investigator: Dr. Jennifer C. MacIntosh (USGS/University of Arizona), Fred J. Anderson (NDGS-Supporting) Current Activity: Groundwater geochemical sampling and analysis is currently underway for areas of interest along the eastern flank of the Williston Basin. Projected Completion Date: Decmeber 31, 2011