Exploration

The search for natural gas begins with geologists locating the types of rock that are usually found near gas and oil deposits.
Today their tools include seismic surveys that are used to find the right places to drill wells.  Seismic surveys use echoes from a vibration source at the earth’s surface (usually a vibrating pad under a truck built for this purpose) to collect information about the rocks beneath.

Scientists and engineers explore a chosen area by studying rock samples from the earth and taking measurements.  If the site seems promising, drilling begins.  Once the gas is found, it flows up through the well to the surface of the ground and into large pipelines.  Some of the gases that are produced along with methane, such as butane and propane (also known as 'by-products'), are separated and cleaned at a gas processing plant.  The by-products, once removed, are used in a number of ways.  For example, propane can be used for cooking on gas grills.

Because natural gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless, mercaptan (a chemical that has a sulphur like odour) is added before distribution, to give it a distinct unpleasant odour (smells like rotten eggs).  This serves as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in cases where leaks occur.

Machines called "digesters" are also used to turn today's organic material (plants, animal wastes, etc.) into natural gas.  This replaces waiting for thousands of years for the gas to form naturally.