Notes for a History of Gas Geochemistry

Abstract

During ancient times, human interest in naturally-occurring gases was religious, while it was scientific in the historical age and industrial in modern times. Gases were also utilized for practical purposes and more than 3 000 years before present day, Chinese populations made use of methane for salt extraction while in the 17th century it was observed that native Americans ignited methane seepages. The development of human thinking on gases followed the fundamental steps that characterized the natural sciences during the 18th century scientific revolution that was based on significant improvements in analytical methods. These improvements are still ongoing while present-day scientific publications evidence the spread of the field of interest and more cooperation with geophysical sciences to solve common interest problems. The existence of proper meetings and dedicated scientific journals confirms that gas geochemistry has ended this pioneering phase to enter a more mature condition.

Keywords

history of earth sciences / gas geochemistry / isotopic analysis / carbon dioxide / noble gases / earthquakes / hydrocarbons

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