USGS tools perform gas source analysis in the field

Field studies of gas hydrate rely on gas sampling and analysis tools to determine the origins and alteration of methane and other hydrocarbons. The conventional strategy for deciphering gas origins has been to collect gas and other related samples in the field then pack, ship, store, and later analyze these discrete samples in a laboratory using instruments that require specialized training and dedicated operators. Two critical drawbacks to the conventional strategy are that: 1) measurements made and analyzed after completing the field program often highlight where data should have been collected; 2) discrete sampling limits the spatial or temporal measurement density, increasing the likelihood of missing small-scale natural features.