Peak generation of natural gas occurs when oil begins to break down because of high temperatures. Natural gas is generally found deeper within the earth than oil because of the increased temperature. Natural gas is a gaseous mixture of simple hydrocarbon compounds that is usually found in porous rock deep underground. To produce natural gas, wells must be drilled into the porous rock deep in the earth. The gas flows out of the rock, up the well and transported through pipelines.
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas.
A distinct unpleasant odor is added to natural gas which acts as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the air. In summer months, the demand for natural gas is lower and natural gas companies must store their excess supply. The most common method is to pipe the natural gas into depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs where it can be stored and withdrawn as needed. Underground storage is used to meet peak winter demand when the capacity of the pipelines cannot deliver what is needed. Another storage method is converting natural gas to liquid.