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Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Campus Access Master's Report

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geological Engineering (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Advisor 1

Roohollah Askari

Committee Member 1

Aleksey V. Smirnov

Committee Member 2

Luke J. Bowman

Abstract

This report reviews geologic (white) hydrogen systems, focusing on their generation mechanisms, detection methods, global distribution, and field-scale validation challenges. Unlike industrial hydrogen, geologic hydrogen forms abiotically through processes like serpentinization, radiolysis, mantle degassing, and mineral deformation. Historical seeps have been reported since the 19th century across Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Americas, with Mali’s Bourakebougou field being the only known self-recharging reservoir. Detection techniques such as soil gas surveys, borehole logging, geophysics, and remote sensing are evaluated, alongside complicating factors like microbial oxidation, soil variability, seasonal cycles, and anthropogenic artifacts. A 2024 soil gas survey along the Keweenaw Fault in Michigan serves as a case study. Despite calibration errors affecting absolute concentration, the campaign reveals valuable insights into methodological improvements and geologic favorability. The report underscores the need for systematic exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing this emerging field of clean energy.

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