Gas and Isotope Geochemistry

Gas seepage at the bottom of the Laach Lake (Germany) Source: BGR

In the light of the increasing energy demands, the investigation and exploration of the natural gas become increasingly important, and natural gas is therefore one of the key targets of scientists at the BGR. The work is directed on conventional but also unconventional natural gas occurrences like gas hydrates, coalbed methane, or natural gases dissolved in ground waters.

Not only as part of the exploration of potential future energy resources, but also among monitoring operations and assessments of geological risks, gas- and isotope geochemical methods are routinely used (including monitoring of geologically stored natural gas and carbon dioxide).
In the frame of these activities, experts from the BGR provide the ministries, the European Union, as well as the German industry with advice on questions related to energy resources and the monitoring of geological risks.