Natural hydrogen: origin, geological distribution, and detection methods – a brief overview

Natural hydrogen represents a sustainable and promising energy source that holds the potential to significantly contribute to a low-carbon economy. This article discusses origins, geological distribution, and methods used for detection of natural hydrogen. Through a review of existing literature, the primary sources of natural hydrogen formation have been identified. These include serpentinization, water radiolysis, disaggregation of rock, magma degassing, and weathering of the Earth’s crust. Among these processes, serpentinization is particularly significant as a key phenomenon occurring in mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones. This process involves the interaction of water with divalent iron resulting in the formation of hydrogen. The geographical distribution of natural hydrogen includes oceanic spreading centers, passive margins, subduction zones, faults, and intraplate regions. High concentrations of H₂ are frequently found in tectonically active areas, such as the San Andreas Fault and the Taoudeni Basin. Natural hydrogen can be detected using isotopic analysis and H₂/CH₄ ratios, which help to differentiate between mantle-derived and crustal origins. Despite current limitations in the research and exploration of natural hydrogen deposits, its production could significantly reduce the cost of hydrogen energy and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. The study emphasizes the necessity for further investigation into the mechanisms of hydrogen generation, accumulation, and migration, as well as the development of extraction technologies. This overview organizes the current understanding of natural hydrogen and serves as a foundation for future scientific and practical advancements in this field.