coal-bed methane
Quick Summary
Coal-bed methane refers to natural gas, primarily methane, trapped within coal seams. While some gas escapes during coal formation, a significant amount remains adsorbed onto the coal's internal surfaces or exists as free gas in fractures.12
To access this gas, wells are drilled into the coal seam, and water is pumped out. This reduces pressure, allowing the adsorbed methane to release and flow into the wellbore. In some cases, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is used to stimulate gas flow, similar to techniques used for shale gas extraction. Coal-bed methane is a notable source of natural gas, contributing significantly to production in countries like the United States.13
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
