Potential for Recoverable Coalbed Methane Resources on Navy Lands

摘要

This report documents a literature search that was aimed at identifying the potential for recoverable coalbed methane resources at naval facilities in the United States. Several geologic factors that influence the occurrence of coalbed methane were examined, the most important of which is coal rank. Other factors include the formation pressure, the permeability and porosity of the coal, the degree of fracturing (deformational history), the depth of burial, the distance to the outcrop, and the permeability of adjacent strata. The evaluation of the potential of any natural resource requires the development of a working model to keep in perspective the many factors affecting the occurrence of that resource. Models based on major tectonic environments wre used in evaluating all naval facilities in the United States for their coalbed methane potential. While none of the sites was found to be in a primary target area for the occurrence of coalbed methane, several Navy sites were identified as having some potential. However, assessing that potential, determining the quality of the resource and the applicability of the resource ownership and the resource disposition, will take a great deal more effort. (Author)