Carboniferous coals of the Zonguldak basin (northwest Turkey): Implications for coalbed methane potential

We investigated the Carboniferous coals in the Zonguldak basin (northwest Turkey) using a multidisciplinary approach, including petrographical and geochemical analyses, gas adsorption and gas content measurements, artificial maturation experiments on selected coals, and one-dimensional (1-D) modeling of the basin evolution and hydrocarbon generation. The main emphasis was set on the definition of coalbed methane (CBM) generation capability and adsorption capacity of the coals. Considering these properties of coals and the amount and composition of gas within the coal seams, we carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the CBM potential of the basin. Three areas in the basin, namely, Armutcuk, Zonguldak, and Amasra, were investigated separately for their CBM potential.