Effects of Coalification on the Formation and Accumulation of Coal-Bed Methane: A Studying Case From Qinshui Basin

By reviewing the current achievements in the studies of relationships between coal metamorphism, distribution and accumulation of the coalbed methane, we find that different types and degrees of coal metamorphism have different effects on the formation, transportation, and accumulation of coalbed methane. Mainly through affecting the formation and evolution of pore and track system in the coal seams, coal metamorphism is one of the most important geological factors which control the distribution and accumulation of coalbed methane. With the Qinshui Basin as a case, we discussed how the metamorphism of high-rank coal controls the formation and accumulations of the coalbed methane, and proposed some suggestions for the exploration and development of the coalbed methane in this coal field.