Gas Isotope Analysis

Lower plot of methane vs. methane suggests that natural gases in eastern Kansas are derived from three different origins (thermogenic, microbial carbon dioxide reduction and microbial). Of the conventional gases sampled in the Cherokee basin most have intermediate compositions that suggest a mixed thermogenic and microbial origin. Coal gases sampled in Montgomery County and Cass County also have intermediate compositions.

Upper plot of wetness vs. methane supports a mixing of microbial and thermogenic gases. Most Cherokee basin samples plot below the thermogenic gas arrow and in the mixed gas field suggesting a microbial and thermogenic origin. Coal gases sampled in Montgomery County, Leavenworth County and Cass County also have mixed origins.