method for the determination of hydrocarbon potential of a terrestrial formation underlying a body of water by means of the analysis of outcrops, containing low concentrations of methane

摘要

The present invention provides for on-site capture of methane at sea, for isotopic examination. Liquid and interfering gases are separated from the methane; the methane is oxidized to form carbon dioxide and water; and the carbon dioxide and water are isotopically analyzed for carbon and deuterium distribution to determine methane origin, as an aid to evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of an earth formation.