SHALE
GAS : GEOGRAPHY
NEWS
: Study indicates shale gas generation potential
in eastern South Karanpura coalfield, Jharkhand.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Evidence from
microscopic palynomorphs--, organic remains, combined with geochemical
assessments have indicated significant potential for hydrocarbon generation in
the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in the Ramgarh district of
Jharkhand
Shale
Gas:
- Definition: A type of
natural gas found in shale rock, primarily composed of methane.
- Formation: Shale is a
fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay, silt, mud, and
organic matter over time.
- Locations: Found both
at the Earth's surface and deep underground, deposited in ancient seas,
river deltas, lakes, and lagoons.
- Extraction
Process:
Extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) by injecting
high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals into the shale to break it open.
- Role of Guar
Gum:
Guar gum from cluster bean seeds is used in the fracking process.
Government
Measures:
- Hydrocarbon
Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) 2016: Provides a
uniform licensing regime for both conventional and unconventional
resources, including shale gas.
- Exploration: PSUs like
ONGC and Oil India Limited are authorized to explore shale gas within
existing oil and gas blocks.
Source
: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2063700