Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Quiz

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Overview

• Coal bed methane (CBM) is primarily composed of methane gas, accounting for about 95% of its content.
• The formation of methane occurs through microbial processes and chemical reactions as organic materials in coal break down under heat and pressure over geological time.

Formation and Trapping of Methane

• Methane is formed in coal seams as a result of the degradation of plant material that becomes coal over millions of years.
• The gas is trapped in the porous structure of coal due to adsorptive properties, which allow methane to adhere to the coal surface.

Role of Coal

• Coal serves as both the source and the reservoir of CBM, with its geological characteristics influencing the quantity and quality of methane generated.
• The interaction between coal and water also affects the release and migration of methane in coal deposits.

Variation in Composition

• The composition of CBM can vary significantly depending on geographic location, coal type, and the geological environment.
• Variability in the methane content and the presence of other gases, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, can occur based on local conditions and extraction processes.