The Fredonia Gas Light Company opened its doors in 1858 as the nation's first natural gas company. By 1900, natural gas had been discovered in 17 states. In the past 40 years, the use of natural gas has grown. Today, natural gas accounts for about 24 percent of the energy we use. The chemical formula for methane is CH 4 Natural gas can be hard to find since it can be trapped in porous rocks deep underground.
Scientists use many methods to find natural gas deposits.
They may look at surface rocks to find clues about underground formations. They may set off small explosions or drop heavy weights on the surface and record the sound waves as they bounce back from the rock layers underground. They also may measure the gravitational pull of rock masses deep within the earth. If test results are promising, the scientists may recommend drilling to find the natural gas deposits. Natural gas wells average 6,100 feet deep and can cost a hundred dollars per foot to drill, so it's important to choose sites carefully.