Abstract

Over the years seismic survey is being carried out in Bengal Basin, but it was for the first time that the survey was done for Coal Bed Methane (CBM) exploration. CBM is a natural gas entrapped in the coal seams underground. Coalbed methane is distinct from typical sandstone or other conventional gas reservoir, as the methane is stored within the coal by adsorption. The methane is in a near-liquid state, lining the inside of pores within the coal (called the matrix). The open fractures in the coal (called the cleats) can also contain free gas or can be saturated with water. High rank coals at depths varying from 200m-1400m are generally considered as prospects for CBM exploration. So for the exploitation of CBM identification of the thickness, depth and continuity of coal seams is essential apart from the identification of fracture, faults etc. within the coal seams. The survey area lies in the CBM Block of North Raniganj, Sector-A in the Burdwan District of West Bengal. The coal fields of the survey area mainly have coals in Barakar and Raniganj formations. The area is also marked by various intrusive bodies such as dykes and sills etc. The High Resolution Seismic survey carried in the area comprised of 10 dip lines and 3 strike lines amounting to a total of 80 LKM.