The Future of Natural Hydrogen starts at the surface
SUBSOIL HYDROGEN GAS
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Most abundant element in the Universe (~75% by mass)
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Extremely low molecular weight and very small molecular size (~0.29 nm kinetic diameter)
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Chemically active; readily participates in redox reactions and microbial processes
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Moderate solubility in water compared to noble gases; strongly pressure- and temperature dependent
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Can be both abiogenic and biogenic in origin, unlike helium
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Highly mobile gas, capable of rapid migration through fractures, faults, and porous media
Generated in the subsurface through multiple processes:
• Serpentinization (water–rock interaction with ultramafic rocks)
• Radiolysis of water due to natural radioactive decay
• Thermal decomposition of organic matter
• Microbial activity (biogenic hydrogen production)
Easily consumed or altered during migration due to:
• Oxidation reactions
• Microbial utilization (e.g., methanogenesis, sulfate reduction)
• Chemical interactions with minerals and fluids
Typically associated with:
• Active tectonic zones and fault systems
• Crystalline basement rocks and ophiolitic complexes
• Hydrothermal systems
• Zones of fluid circulation and degassing
HELIUM GAS AND ITS' CONCENTRATIONS
HYDROGENIC DATA
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Natural (geologic) hydrogen is emerging as a new potential energy resource
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Hydrogenic data refers to measurements of hydrogen concentrations in near-surface gases
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Collected during high-precision digital geochemical surveys
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Hydrogen is highly mobile but chemically reactive, making interpretation complex
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Co-occurrence of hydrogen and helium anomalies indicates deep abiogenic hydrogen sources
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Helium acts as a stable tracer confirming deep hydrogen gas migration pathways
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Hydrogen–helium anomaly clusters may indicate gas chimneys and vertical migration conduits
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Integrated analysis helps identify natural hydrogen reservoirs and active degassing systems