Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
2.6.3.
Natural gas - a highly desirable resource
Alaska
0
50
0 km
Natural Gas
Bill
ions
of m
3
5
00 km
5,000
0
25,000
Production
Proven Reserves
50,000
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States
Designed and made by JM Zaninetti, University of Orleans, CEDETE Institute
Figure 2.17.
Natural gas production and reserves in 2002
Natural gas and oil production usually go together (see Figure 2.17). At first,
natural gas was merely a by-product which was burned. Its exploitation at an
industrial level began in the 20th century in Louisiana
1
and in the Appalachians.
Natural gas was transported by pipeline from the extraction sites to the cities of the
East Coast and Great Lakes where it was then consumed.
Domestic production subsequently increased steadily to peak at almost 21,700
billion m³ in 1970, and then stabilized at the high level of around 20,000 billion m³
per year. The United States is now the world's second largest producer of natural
1
. The first gas pipeline was built in Louisiana in 1908.
