This chapter provides a representative overview of current methodologies for detection of gas seepage on Earth's surface, both on land and in aquatic environments (rivers, lakes, oceans). Most of the techniques described can be utilised to discover gas seepage independent of the study objective (i.e. whether for petroleum exploration, geo-hazards, or environmental studies). Most of these techniques can also be used to measure anthropogenic gas leaks, such as fugitive emissions from petroleum production and distribution facilities. Applications to petroleum exploration, as well as related interpretative tools and limits, with references to microseepage detection, are discussed in Chap. 5.The goal of this chapter is not (and cannot be) an exhaustive manual or review for all of the currently available surface seepage prospecting methods. As outlined in the sections below, several traditional techniques have been described in review papers. Here, a synthetic and synoptic picture for several currently available methodologies is provided, including the latest techniques and capabilities offered by new generation instruments. The discussion provided here focuses on direct gas detection methods. The use of gas seepage in petroleum exploration is outlined in Chap. 5. Indirect methods, including geophysical techniques and measurements of chemical, physical, or microbiological parameters in soils, water, rocks, or vegetation, modified by the presence of hydrocarbons, are briefly illustrated. Specific references, as well as a few case histories, are provided for those interested in a deeper reading of the technical details of sensing principles and instrumentation design. The detection of oil is not the objective of this book.
Gas Detection MethodsAs illustrated in Fig. 4.1, gas seepage can be detected above the ground (atmospheric measurements), in the ground (soils and well head-space), and in water bodies (shallow aquifers, springs, rivers, bogs, lakes, and seas). Several of the methodologies are visually reviewed in the tree diagram shown in Fig. 4.2.