The characteristics of natural gas have a close relation with formations, that is, the characteristics are nearly the same in one formation, and change comparatively rapidily near the formation boundary.
If the characteristics of gas are determined in the later stage, by a so called “maturation process” as it is often considered, it might be expected that the characteristics of gas have relation to depth, which in turn controls temperatures and pressures. But the characteristics don't have relation to depth primarily.
The fact that the characteristics of gas have relation to formations means that gases generated in each formation have individual properties respectively and don't migrate across formation boundaries and don't mix with gases generated in other formations.
From these facts, the following two cases can be presumed:
Case (1): In comparatively early stage after sedimentation, the genesis, migration and accumulation of natural gas virtually ended.
Case (2): On the contrary, in the much later stage after sedimentation, natural gas generates and cannot migrate far because of compaction of sediments.
Observing modes of existence of gas pools, the writer presumes early migration and therefore takes case (1) above mentioned.
The characteristics of formation water and interstitial water of mudstone cores also have relation to formations.
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