Home Technology Chapter 10 The potential geophysical responses of trapped natural hydrogen gas
Chapter
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Chapter 10 The potential geophysical responses of trapped natural hydrogen gas

  • Brian J. Evans
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Explore this Subject How to publish with us
Natural Hydrogen Systems
This chapter is in the book Natural Hydrogen Systems

Abstract

This chapter explores geophysical methodologies for natural hydrogen exploration. It begins with a discussion of the well-established gas ‘bright-spot’ seismic processing and interpretation technique for identifying gas-filled porous zones beneath dense caprocks, supported by case histories. Advanced three-component seismic methods for detecting subsurface fracturing and fracture orientation are also highlighted. For regions with magnetite-rich dolerite caprocks, air-borne and ground-based magnetic surveys are proposed as a complementary approach to soil sampling, while air-borne LiDAR techniques are briefly acknowledged.

The chapter emphasizes the value of reprocessing existing seismic and magnetic data using modern artificial intelligence techniques to enhance interpretation and streamline exploration. The role of deeper structural traps and faults in compressional Neoproterozoic basins containing evaporites is also examined, with seismic, magnetic, and gravity survey data used to detect direct hydrogen indicators and associated geophysical signatures, supported by two case histories. Finally, the challenges of data acquisition, interpretation, and integration are addressed, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary geophysical approach to advance the understanding of natural hydrogen systems and enable efficient and sustainable exploration strategies.

Abstract

This chapter explores geophysical methodologies for natural hydrogen exploration. It begins with a discussion of the well-established gas ‘bright-spot’ seismic processing and interpretation technique for identifying gas-filled porous zones beneath dense caprocks, supported by case histories. Advanced three-component seismic methods for detecting subsurface fracturing and fracture orientation are also highlighted. For regions with magnetite-rich dolerite caprocks, air-borne and ground-based magnetic surveys are proposed as a complementary approach to soil sampling, while air-borne LiDAR techniques are briefly acknowledged.

The chapter emphasizes the value of reprocessing existing seismic and magnetic data using modern artificial intelligence techniques to enhance interpretation and streamline exploration. The role of deeper structural traps and faults in compressional Neoproterozoic basins containing evaporites is also examined, with seismic, magnetic, and gravity survey data used to detect direct hydrogen indicators and associated geophysical signatures, supported by two case histories. Finally, the challenges of data acquisition, interpretation, and integration are addressed, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary geophysical approach to advance the understanding of natural hydrogen systems and enable efficient and sustainable exploration strategies.

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/10.1515/9783111437040-010

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
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 21.10.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111437040-010/html
Scroll to top button