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Chapter 8 Natural hydrogen and the primordially hydridic earth concept

  • Vitaly Vidavskiy and Nikolay Larin
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Natural Hydrogen Systems
This chapter is in the book Natural Hydrogen Systems

Abstract

The primordially hydridic Earth (PHE) concept offers a transformative view of Earth’s formation, proposing a hydrogen-rich planetary composition with metal hydrides as a key component of the core. This chapter examines the chemical, physical, and geophysical implications of the PHE model, integrating laboratory experiments, field observations, and theoretical calculations. The model suggests that hydrogen, initially abundant in Earth’s interior, played a crucial role in the planet’s evolution. It explains phenomena such as the core’s density deficit, mantle dynamics, and the formation of geospheres through hydrogen degassing from metal hydrides, which influenced lithosphere development and tectonic activity.

The chapter explores experimental data, including hydrogen partitioning between silicate and metallic phases, the behavior of hydride-enriched cores under high pressures, and the conductivity of such systems. It also introduces the concept of “hydrogen chimneys,” vertical degassing structures that facilitate hydrogen migration to the surface. Using high-resolution satellite imagery, researchers have identified potential degassing channels, particularly on the East European Platform, and linked them to geological and tectonic structures.

Drawing on Vladimir Larin’s pioneering work, the chapter underscores the presence of substantial natural hydrogen reserves, suggesting they could meet humanity’s energy needs sustainably. It reviews the search for hydrogen flows, the structure of degassing channels, and methods for locating accessible, high-concentration hydrogen sources near potential consumers. The PHE model also contextualizes hydrogen’s role in the broader framework of Solar System formation, emphasizing its compatibility with alternative mechanisms, such as element distribution by first ionization potential.

Abstract

The primordially hydridic Earth (PHE) concept offers a transformative view of Earth’s formation, proposing a hydrogen-rich planetary composition with metal hydrides as a key component of the core. This chapter examines the chemical, physical, and geophysical implications of the PHE model, integrating laboratory experiments, field observations, and theoretical calculations. The model suggests that hydrogen, initially abundant in Earth’s interior, played a crucial role in the planet’s evolution. It explains phenomena such as the core’s density deficit, mantle dynamics, and the formation of geospheres through hydrogen degassing from metal hydrides, which influenced lithosphere development and tectonic activity.

The chapter explores experimental data, including hydrogen partitioning between silicate and metallic phases, the behavior of hydride-enriched cores under high pressures, and the conductivity of such systems. It also introduces the concept of “hydrogen chimneys,” vertical degassing structures that facilitate hydrogen migration to the surface. Using high-resolution satellite imagery, researchers have identified potential degassing channels, particularly on the East European Platform, and linked them to geological and tectonic structures.

Drawing on Vladimir Larin’s pioneering work, the chapter underscores the presence of substantial natural hydrogen reserves, suggesting they could meet humanity’s energy needs sustainably. It reviews the search for hydrogen flows, the structure of degassing channels, and methods for locating accessible, high-concentration hydrogen sources near potential consumers. The PHE model also contextualizes hydrogen’s role in the broader framework of Solar System formation, emphasizing its compatibility with alternative mechanisms, such as element distribution by first ionization potential.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface V
  3. Contents VII
  4. Editorial note XI
  5. Contributing authors XIII
  6. Part I: Geological foundations of natural hydrogen
  7. Chapter 1 Evaluating natural hydrogen systems through the lens of petroleum exploration 1
  8. Chapter 2 Subsurface natural H2 systems: some lessons from drilling results 47
  9. Chapter 3 Natural hydrogen exploration: some similarities and differences with oil and gas exploration 75
  10. Chapter 4 Geological and geochemical pathways of onshore natural hydrogen generation 105
  11. Part II: Natural hydrogen generation mechanisms
  12. Chapter 5 Shallow peridotites at magma-poor rifted margins: occurrences, serpentinization, and H2 generation 131
  13. Chapter 6 Exploring natural hydrogen in the oldest nuclei of continents: why do cratons matter? 163
  14. Chapter 7 A possible origin of organic natural hydrogen 201
  15. Chapter 8 Natural hydrogen and the primordially hydridic earth concept 239
  16. Part III: Hydrogen exploration and detection techniques
  17. Chapter 9 Rock physics for quantitative geophysical interpretation of natural hydrogen resources 267
  18. Chapter 10 The potential geophysical responses of trapped natural hydrogen gas 297
  19. Chapter 11 The development of an airborne, stand-off detection instrument for hydrogen gas 325
  20. Chapter 12 Surface gas geochemical exploration for natural hydrogen: uncertainties and holistic interpretation 347
  21. Chapter 13 Natural hydrogen favorability maps (NHFMs): a new concept for natural hydrogen exploration in different geological contexts 367
  22. Chapter 14 Numerical simulation of hydrogen phase equilibrium and migration at basin scale 385
  23. Part IV: Global case studies and regional insights
  24. Chapter 15 Natural hydrogen exploration in Brazil: from theory to fieldwork case studies 417
  25. Chapter 16 Natural hydrogen in China: geological insights and exploration prospects 447
  26. Chapter 17 Potential occurrence and reservoirs of natural hydrogen based on the geological and tectonic setting of the Korean Peninsula 471
  27. Chapter 18 Natural hydrogen in Japan: general generation mechanisms, current work, and perspectives 491
  28. Chapter 19 Various elements of a potential hydrogen system in Saudi Arabia 513
  29. Part V: Hydrogen storage, transportation, and environmental and technological challenges
  30. Chapter 20 Underground hydrogen storage lessons for natural hydrogen systems 537
  31. Chapter 21 Assessment of hydrogen storage in salt caverns in Oman 563
  32. Chapter 22 Advancements and challenges in the transportation of natural hydrogen 581
  33. Chapter 23 Environmental impacts of hydrogen production and usage 607
  34. Chapter 24 Drilling, construction, and completion of natural hydrogen exploration and production wells: emphasizing long-term well integrity 645
  35. Chapter 25 Effect of salt on rock wettability and gas interactions in natural hydrogen reservoirs 681
  36. Index 699
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111437040-008

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface V
  3. Contents VII
  4. Editorial note XI
  5. Contributing authors XIII
  6. Part I: Geological foundations of natural hydrogen
  7. Chapter 1 Evaluating natural hydrogen systems through the lens of petroleum exploration 1
  8. Chapter 2 Subsurface natural H2 systems: some lessons from drilling results 47
  9. Chapter 3 Natural hydrogen exploration: some similarities and differences with oil and gas exploration 75
  10. Chapter 4 Geological and geochemical pathways of onshore natural hydrogen generation 105
  11. Part II: Natural hydrogen generation mechanisms
  12. Chapter 5 Shallow peridotites at magma-poor rifted margins: occurrences, serpentinization, and H2 generation 131
  13. Chapter 6 Exploring natural hydrogen in the oldest nuclei of continents: why do cratons matter? 163
  14. Chapter 7 A possible origin of organic natural hydrogen 201
  15. Chapter 8 Natural hydrogen and the primordially hydridic earth concept 239
  16. Part III: Hydrogen exploration and detection techniques
  17. Chapter 9 Rock physics for quantitative geophysical interpretation of natural hydrogen resources 267
  18. Chapter 10 The potential geophysical responses of trapped natural hydrogen gas 297
  19. Chapter 11 The development of an airborne, stand-off detection instrument for hydrogen gas 325
  20. Chapter 12 Surface gas geochemical exploration for natural hydrogen: uncertainties and holistic interpretation 347
  21. Chapter 13 Natural hydrogen favorability maps (NHFMs): a new concept for natural hydrogen exploration in different geological contexts 367
  22. Chapter 14 Numerical simulation of hydrogen phase equilibrium and migration at basin scale 385
  23. Part IV: Global case studies and regional insights
  24. Chapter 15 Natural hydrogen exploration in Brazil: from theory to fieldwork case studies 417
  25. Chapter 16 Natural hydrogen in China: geological insights and exploration prospects 447
  26. Chapter 17 Potential occurrence and reservoirs of natural hydrogen based on the geological and tectonic setting of the Korean Peninsula 471
  27. Chapter 18 Natural hydrogen in Japan: general generation mechanisms, current work, and perspectives 491
  28. Chapter 19 Various elements of a potential hydrogen system in Saudi Arabia 513
  29. Part V: Hydrogen storage, transportation, and environmental and technological challenges
  30. Chapter 20 Underground hydrogen storage lessons for natural hydrogen systems 537
  31. Chapter 21 Assessment of hydrogen storage in salt caverns in Oman 563
  32. Chapter 22 Advancements and challenges in the transportation of natural hydrogen 581
  33. Chapter 23 Environmental impacts of hydrogen production and usage 607
  34. Chapter 24 Drilling, construction, and completion of natural hydrogen exploration and production wells: emphasizing long-term well integrity 645
  35. Chapter 25 Effect of salt on rock wettability and gas interactions in natural hydrogen reservoirs 681
  36. Index 699
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