Methane in rocks

"Why are we interested in methane deep within rocks? The analysis of methane and its isotopic ratio from tiny fluid inclusions trapped in minerals provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our planet. For example, it enables us to distinguish whether methane originated from biological processes, geochemical reactions, or thermal decomposition. This knowledge is crucial for a better understanding of global carbon cycles, energy resources, and environmental developments." The research group led by Prof. Vitale Brovarone at the University of Bologna, Italy, is dedicated to investigating these questions. The methodological details and validation of the analytics described here have been thoroughly documented in a recent study by Olivieri et al. (2024) [1].