Mechanism of stepwise tectonic control on gas occurrence: A study in North China

To gain an understanding of gas occurrence, distribution is the fundamental basis for preventing gas disasters. Presently, how tectonic structures control gas occurrence remains problematic. This study proposes the theory and elucidates the mechanism of stepwise tectonic control on gas occurrence according to the characteristics of gas occurrence and the patterns of gas distribution in coal mines in North China. On the one hand, tectonic compression and shearing lead to stress concentration and thus deform the coal and reduce the coal seam permeability, further contributing to gas preservation. On the other hand, tectonic extension and rifting lead to stress release and thus improve the coal seam permeability, further contributing to gas emission. Therefore, the distribution zones of tectonic compression, ubiquitous coal deformation, and gas accumulation have been step-wisely revealed, and the coal-gas outburst proneness zones are finally identified. The proposed theory of step-wise tectonic control on gas occurrence is of practical significance for gas prediction and control.