Natural hydrogen has been a focus of scientific research due to its role in the understanding of deep subsurface ecosystems and synthesis of abiotic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, natural hydrogen presents a promising green and renewable energy resource. Even if the different processes that control the generation of hydrogen in natural systems are theoretically understood, the origin of natural hydrogen and its preservation in known reservoirs are still poorly understood. Furthermore, generation of hydrogen can be accompanied by rapid consumption from micro-organisms thus making the elevated concentrations of natural hydrogen relatively rare. The interaction between natural hydrogen and micro-organisms must be better understood to be systematically taken into account in the studies.
Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for the generation of natural hydrogen. These hypotheses include different generation mechanisms encompassing complex geochemical and biogeochemical processes. The most common generation mechanisms include:
• Hydrogen degassing from the Earth’s mantle and core;
• Redox water-rock reactions;
• Water-radiolysis in crustal rocks enriched in radioactive elements;
• Hydroxyl decomposition in the crystal lattice of specific minerals;
• Oxidation of hydrocarbons and maturation of organic matter; and
• Biological activity.
A mixed origin of natural hydrogen is also possible. Thus, the variable scenarios of hydrogen generation demonstrate that hydrogen should be a common gas phase in nature, however, the rare accumulation of hydrogen as a free gas reflect a crucial need for understanding its behavior in nature.
The present Research Topic is expected to enhance our understanding for the variable hydrogen generation mechanisms and unveil the long-standing problems related to the preservation and consumption of hydrogen in the different geological contexts. We welcome submissions based on, but not limited to the following topics:
• Biogeochemical processes responsible for generation of hydrogen;
• Hydrogen in the Solar System;
• Hydrogen, noble gases and hydrocarbon blend and controls on their generation and accumulation; and
• Hydrogen as a CO2-free energy resource and its storage in the sub-surface.
Natural hydrogen has been a focus of scientific research due to its role in the understanding of deep subsurface ecosystems and synthesis of abiotic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, natural hydrogen presents a promising green and renewable energy resource. Even if the different processes that control the generation of hydrogen in natural systems are theoretically understood, the origin of natural hydrogen and its preservation in known reservoirs are still poorly understood. Furthermore, generation of hydrogen can be accompanied by rapid consumption from micro-organisms thus making the elevated concentrations of natural hydrogen relatively rare. The interaction between natural hydrogen and micro-organisms must be better understood to be systematically taken into account in the studies.
Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for the generation of natural hydrogen. These hypotheses include different generation mechanisms encompassing complex geochemical and biogeochemical processes. The most common generation mechanisms include:
• Hydrogen degassing from the Earth’s mantle and core;
• Redox water-rock reactions;
• Water-radiolysis in crustal rocks enriched in radioactive elements;
• Hydroxyl decomposition in the crystal lattice of specific minerals;
• Oxidation of hydrocarbons and maturation of organic matter; and
• Biological activity.
A mixed origin of natural hydrogen is also possible. Thus, the variable scenarios of hydrogen generation demonstrate that hydrogen should be a common gas phase in nature, however, the rare accumulation of hydrogen as a free gas reflect a crucial need for understanding its behavior in nature.
The present Research Topic is expected to enhance our understanding for the variable hydrogen generation mechanisms and unveil the long-standing problems related to the preservation and consumption of hydrogen in the different geological contexts. We welcome submissions based on, but not limited to the following topics:
• Biogeochemical processes responsible for generation of hydrogen;
• Hydrogen in the Solar System;
• Hydrogen, noble gases and hydrocarbon blend and controls on their generation and accumulation; and
• Hydrogen as a CO2-free energy resource and its storage in the sub-surface.
