aardgasvelden

Aardgasvelden are underground reservoirs where natural gas has accumulated. These fields are typically found in porous and permeable rock formations, such as sandstone or limestone, which can store and allow the gas to flow. The gas itself is primarily composed of methane, along with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon gases like nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

The formation of aardgasvelden is a geological process that takes millions of years. Organic matter, such as ancient marine plants and animals, is buried deep within the Earth's crust. Under immense pressure and heat, this organic matter transforms into kerogen, which then further breaks down into natural gas. This gas is then trapped by impermeable rock layers, known as caprock, preventing it from escaping to the surface.

The discovery and extraction of gas from these fields are significant economic activities. Exploration involves seismic surveys and test drilling to locate potential reservoirs. Once a viable field is identified, wells are drilled to bring the gas to the surface. The extracted gas is then processed to remove impurities before being transported via pipelines to consumers for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes. The Groningen field in the Netherlands is a well-known example of a large aardgasveld.