Human interaction with the rock cycle

Fossil fuels account for 40% of our primary energy demand

Formed from decayed animal and plant animals in anaerobic conditions most often in marine environments

Over millions of years and due to heat and pressure, bacteria down the organic material into natural gas droplets

The natural gas is then squeezed out and travels upwards through permeable rocks before eventually meeting a trap eg an anticline with impermeable rock on top

Human interaction

Geologists first locate anticlines that have gas deposits beneath them

Small explosions are set off to vibrate the ground

These shake gas allowing for 3D mapping out of the field

If gas present further test conducted for exact size

Gas production in Ireland

Two main sources of gas both are offshore

The first is kinsale found in 1971 and was in production from 1978. Its main platform was located in 100m of water with gas flowing from 1km below the seabed. The gas was pumped onshore to the cork harbour via an underground pipeline. 2 additional gas deposit were later found nearby in the seven heads area. They were then connected to the main gas terminal however were not as fruitful as had been hoped and quickly became exhausted. Take commissioning and mantling began late 2020 with the entire gasfield expected to be closed by the end of 2023

The second is the corrib gas field in Mayo. It is located approximately 70km of the coast where the water is more than 3.5 km under sea bed. It is estimated to have 18 years worth of supply. Its terminal is located 9km inland ie onshore and this had caused great conflict between Shell and the people of the area. It Had been hoped production would start in 2006 put unfortunately issues between both parties halted that until December 30, 2015.

Gas use in Ireland- board Gáis Eireann , a state body is responsible for natural gas pipelines in Ireland With most of Ireland now connected to the gas network. In fact, we have even been connected over seas; one sub sea pipline Link Dublin with Scotland while another leg post to Scotland via Northern Ireland. Which years our market has become more competitive with a variety of different gas providers now offering cheaper rates eg Airtricity. We also use gas to generate Electricity.

Natural gas has been a major benefit to our economy generating revenue and reducing dependency on imports . This is why The corrib Gas field was so contested it’s benefit for the country would be huge

Natural gas is the cleanest of fossil fuels