Natural and technogenic threats in fossil fuels production in the Earth cryolithosphere

Abstract

The leading role of Russia in fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) production in the Arctic is shown. A comprehensive analysis of fossil fuels mining challenges and peculiarities in the cryolithosphere has been carried out. The general patterns of emergencies associated with high gas saturation of the upper part of the section and gas blowouts have been revealed. The mechanisms of gas-saturated cavities leading to the formation have been substantiated, including those formed by layers gas ruptures caused by ultrahigh (more then geostatic) pressure (UHP). Gas-saturated cavities with UHP threaten rock bumps in mines with and catastrophic blowouts of gas, coal and rocks. They can also lead to the growth of perennial frost mounds and catastrophic blowouts into the atmosphere, self-ignition and gas explosions on the surface of the Earth and water of thermokarst lakes, rivers and seas. The necessity of expanding comprehensive research in the field of natural and technogenic degassing of the Earth is shown.