Where does natural gas occur?

Natural gas occurs deep beneath the Earth's surface in underground rock formations. It is typically found in association with oil deposits or in coal beds. It can also be found in shale formations, which have become a major source of natural gas in recent years due to advancements in hydraulic fracturing technology. Additionally, natural gas can be found in methane hydrates, which are ice-like deposits of methane and water found in Arctic and deep-sea environments.

Natural gas occurs in underground reservoirs, typically associated with oil deposits or in coal beds. These reservoirs are usually found in sedimentary basins, which are large, geologically stable areas where layers of sediment have accumulated over time. Natural gas is formed when organic matter (such as marine plankton, algae, and other microscopic organisms) is buried deep beneath the sediment and subjected to high temperatures and pressure. Over millions of years, this organic matter breaks down and converts into natural gas, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons primarily composed of methane (CH4). The gas then migrates through the sediment and becomes trapped in porous rocks, forming natural gas reservoirs.