This project focuses on understanding the geological conditions for the generation of hydrogen gas during mineral transformations in ultramafic rocks situated in hyperextended passive continental margins. We sample the fossil Ocean-Continent Transition Zone of the Jurassic Tethys Ocean exposed in Italy and Switzerland, to study the role of geological structures, especially oceanic detachment faults, and petrologic variability of protolith rocks, on oxygen fugacity and hydrogen content. This will provide insights into the distribution and budget of hydrogen in a natural setting. We also conduct high-pressure high-temperature experiments aimed at simulating the hydrogen-producing reactions in the laboratory under well constrained boundary conditions.
Sponsor: MITEI Geologic Hydrogen Consortium
ERL Personnel: Oliver Jagoutz, Matej Pec, Dominic Hildebrand, Gage Coon