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A recent study conducted by Birbal Sahni Institution of Palaeosciences, Lucknow indicates significant shale gas generation potential in the eastern South Karanpura Coalfield, Jharkhand.
The study involves analysis of microscopic remains like pollen, spores, and certain microscopic organic matter (palynological), coupled with a laboratory procedure called Rock-Eval pyrolysis.
Rock-Eval pyrolysis is a method for evaluating the potential of rock samples to generate hydrocarbons and the thermal maturity of organic matter in them. It's used by petroleum explorationists and can also be used to analyze soils and immature sediments.
Shale gas is an unconventional natural gas trapped within shale formations. Shale is a fine-grained, sedimentary rock formed as a result of the compaction of clay, silt, mud and organic matter over time and is usually considered equivalent to mudstone. Shales were deposited in ancient seas, river deltas, lakes and lagoons and are one of the most abundant sedimentary rock types, found at both the Earth’s surface and deep underground. It consists of 70 to 90 percent methane (CH4), the main hydrocarbon target for exploration companies.
Shale gas is natural gas found in shale deposits, where it is trapped in microscopic or submicroscopic pores. This natural gas is a mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbon gases produced from the decomposition of organic matter (plant and animal remains). This is the gas used for generating electricity and for domestic heating and cooking.
Shale gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States since the start of this century, and interest has spread to potential gas shales in the rest of the world. China is estimated to have the world's largest shale gas reserves.
A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons are examples of group 14 hydrides. In the fossil fuel industries, hydrocarbon refers to naturally occurring petroleum, natural gas and coal, or their hydrocarbon derivatives and purified forms.
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Tight Oil | Shale and its potential in India
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2063700®=3&lang=1
References
http://wiki.aapg.org/Rock-Eval_pyrolysis
https://www.bgs.ac.uk/geology-projects/shale-gas/
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Explore the potential role of shale gas in India's energy mix and its implications for energy security and climate change mitigation. (150 words) |
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