Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a significant increase in fugitive methane emissions from shallow onshore oil and gas wells , according to research from the University of British Columbia . Water Sci. 7, 205–213 (1985). Researchers injected 30 cubic metres of natural gas for five days 12 metres below the surface at a test site in northern British Columbia . Atmospheric pressure and temperature were then monitored for 24 days , controlling for depth and rate of well leakage . The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate , and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table .
Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a significant increase in fugitive methane emissions from shallow onshore oil and gas wells , according to research from the University of British Columbia . Researchers injected 30 cubic metres of natural gas for five days 12 metres below the surface at a test site in northern British Columbia . Atmospheric pressure and temperature were then monitored for 24 days , controlling for depth and rate of well leakage . The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate , and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table .