1. n. [Geology]
A naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon gases that is highly compressible and expansible. Methane [CH4] is the chief constituent of most natural gas (constituting as much as 85% of some natural gases), with lesser amounts of ethane [C2H6], propane [C3H8], butane [C4H10] and pentane [C5H12]. Impurities can also be present in large proportions, including carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide.
See: carbon dioxide, coal, condensate, dry gas, hydrate, hydrocarbon, hydrogen sulfide, maturity, methane, petroleum, retrograde condensation, source rock, sweet, wet gas
2. n. [Shale Gas]
Natural gas produced from shale reservoirs is known as shale gas. The composition of the gas stream is a function of the thermal maturity of the rock. Thermally immature rocks will contain heavier hydrocarbon components, possibly even liquid components. Overmature reservoirs typically contain appreciable quantities of carbon dioxide [CO2].
