Methane in ground ice and frozen Quaternary deposits of Western Yamal

The content and the genesis of methane in underground ice and frozen Quaternary sediments of Western Yamal is studied. The minimum concentration of methane in frozen Quaternary deposits was found for sand: 15–100 ppm V. The maximum concentration of methane reaches 3000 ppm V in marine clays. The concentration of methane in the ice wedges is 100–700 ppm V, and in the massive ground ice can be more than 10 000 ppm V. The high content of methane in the massive ground ice we explain by migration of methane from freezing deposits into ice body during its formation. The close connection between methane concentration and organic carbon content is found.