GEO-GASH
Gas Emission Observation and Geochemical Analysis of Surface Emissions in Hamm
An integrative multi-scale approach: from the ground to the air
Naturgas-Austrittsstelle an der Erdoberfläche
© Barbara Teichert / FZN
Both the southern Münsterland region and parts of the northern Ruhr area are known for methane emissions near the surface. Such natural methane emissions occur particularly in the area around the city of Hamm. Depending on their formation conditions, three different types of methane can be classified as sources of these emissions, which can be distinguished from one another by isotope geochemical analysis:
- Thermogenic methane
This methane was formed and trapped in coal seams. Mining activities can release this methane, allowing it to migrate through the overlying strata over geological time scales. - Fossil, biogenic methane
This methane can build up in the overburden above the coal through biological activity in organic-rich layers due to bacterial activity. This methane also migrates over long periods of time to the earth's surface, where it can be released. - Recent, biogenic methane
This methane forms in oxygen-free layers close to the earth's surface and is produced by the bacterial decomposition of organic matter. Due to its proximity to the surface, it can be released immediately.
Since the degassing behavior is strongly influenced by mining and the planned rise in mine water levels, particularly with regard to the migration paths of methane, the GEO-GASH project aims to systematically record and analyze the observed degassing in the Hamm area in order to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying processes. This also includes determining the carbon isotopy of the methane in order to be able to distinguish between biogenic and thermogenic methane. Extensive methane measurements are carried out by drone flights using hyperspectral sensors and recorded in a geoinformation system with regard to their migration routes by cross-referencing geodata.
The twelve-month project is funded by the Mining and Water Forum and combines expertise from the fields of environmental technology, monitoring, mining, geosciences, and hydrogeology. The project is supported technically and organizationally through cooperation with DMT GmbH and RAG AG.
Project duration
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Project funding
The project “GEO-GASH – Gas Emission Observation and Geochemical Analysis of Surface Emissions in Hamm” is financed by the Forum Bergbau und Wasser .
Project number: T0518/47580/2025
Project objectives
- Process understanding of methane emissions in the Water Province East in the urban area of Hamm
- Identification of methane sources
- Evaluation of the influencing factors on methane emissions
Contact
Dr. Barbara Teichert
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 205
Phone 0234 968 3802
Mail barbara.teichert@thga.de
Dr. Bastian Reker
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 205
Phone 0234 968 3665
Mail bastian.reker@thga.de
