Natural Gas Occurrences in Russia (U.S.S.R.)

Abstract

There are 15 known gas fields in European Russia, five of which (Stavropol, Melitopol-Bierdiansk, Astrakhan, Dergachevsky, Sochy) produce only gas; one (Daghestanskie Ogni) is accepted as such for purposes of conservation; and the remaining areas produce both gas and oil (Baku, Grozny, Maikop, Cheleken, trans-Caspia, and Ural-Emba). Taman, Kerch, and Ukhta consist of proved and prospective oil lands. The most prolific gas-bearing horizons are found in the oil-bearing series of Tertiary age. Fields in southern Russia that produce gas only, are scattered over a large territory extending from the northwestern shore of the Asov Sea and from the vicinity of Stavropol to the northern coast of the Caspian Sea, and even far north of the latter. There are several gas-bearing horizons in the formations of Tertiary age, but only in a single area (Dergachevsky) in this gas-bearing province are the gas pressures and the yield of wells greater. While gas has been utilized in the oil fields in increasing amounts since 1925, nevertheless the natural gas industry in Russia as a whole does not fully utilize this natural resource. Occurrences of gas in Asiatic Russia are exceedingly scarce.