Energy model of sudden gas and coal outburst

The paper discusses sudden gas and coal outburst in zones with an increased gas yield. Theoretical models of the outbursts are offered based on the theory of catastrophes, statistical physics and thermodynamics. Relationship between gas content of coal seams and experimentally identified by a geophysical method of research is specified. It justifies the use of geophysical methods in detecting zones with an increased gas yield. The obtained results are of interest to specialists in the field of commercial methane production.