Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well.

Abstract: A method of aligning a time record of sample data, such as a mass chromatogram of an unknown substance, with a time record of reference data, such as a mass chromatogram of a known substance. A coarse time-related alignment between the sample data and the reference data is produced independently of any similarities and differences between the sample data and the reference data. A determination is made of which, if any, distinguishing coarsely aligned sample data are within a predetermined time-related tolerance of any distinguishing reference data. For each distinguishing sample data which is within a predetermined time-related tolerance of a respective distinguishing reference date, a fine time-related alignment is produced between the respective sample data and its respective reference data. The respective sample data is then recorded with substantially the same time designation as the respective reference data.