Аңдатпа
Natural hydrogen has recently emerged as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy resource, naturally produced in various geological settings. These settings often contain specific rocks capable of generating natural hydrogen (natural H₂-generating rock types, or NH₂-GRTs) through processes such as serpentinization, radiolysis, and hydrothermal oxidation. The presence of natural hydrogen seeps, particularly in serpentinized ultramafic contexts, signifies active hydrogen generation systems. Additionally, soil hydrogen emissions, often associated with surface features like sub-circular depressions with sparse vegetation (“fairy circles”), serve as valuable exploration tools for identifying subsurface hydrogen systems. The migration, accumulation, and entrapment of hydrogen resemble the dynamics of petroleum systems, requiring geological conditions conducive to storage and sealing. Most natural hydrogen generation systems involve interactions between NH₂-GRTs and geothermal water. To streamline exploration, we introduce the concept of natural hydrogen favorability maps (NHFMs), which link hydrogen-generating rock types with their associated generation mechanisms (e.g., serpentinization or radiolysis). A comprehensive evaluation of the “hydrogen kitchen” involves understanding hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, and heat flow. Mapping the architecture of hydrogen-generating rock types alongside hydrogen kitchens provides a novel and effective tool to support decision-making in hydrogen exploration. The NHFMs can be further validated through surface indicators, such as fairy circles and hyperalkaline springs, which provide evidence of active water-rock interactions and hydrogen generation.