<p>Oceanfloor hydrogen represents a potentially low-carbon and sustainable clean energy resource, yet its generation mechanisms, resource endowment, and exploration potential remain poorly constrained. By synthesizing recent observational data, experimental results, and numerical modeling studies, this work develops a preliminary theoretical framework for oceanfloor hydrogen systems and proposes an integrated Hidden Hydrogen discovery pathway encompassing generation-migration-accumulation-sealing-assessment. The results demonstrate that oceanfloor hydrogen generation exhibits pronounced vertical stratification. Shallow production is dominated by serpentinization, water radiolysis, and fault-related frictional processes, whereas deeper sources involve subduction-related water-rock reactions, high-pressure phase transitions of hydrous minerals, and potentially iron-water reactions near the core-mantle boundary. Together, these processes define a coupled deep-shallow hydrogen generation system. Spatially, hydrogen distribution reflects strong tectono-sedimentary coupling: continental-margin sedimentary domains are characterized by abundant hydrogen sources; serpentinized mid-ocean ridge settings show relatively low unit production rates but large regional fluxes; and subduction systems sustain hydrogen generation in outer-rise and forearc regions through slab serpentinization and deep fluid release. Hydrogen migration is primarily controlled by fracture networks, accumulation depends on pore-fracture architecture and thermodynamic conditions, and effective preservation requires low-permeability seals and long-term tectonic stability. Three accumulation models are identified: source-reservoir coupled, source-reservoir decoupled, and hybrid types. Resource potential is governed by the coupling among generation efficiency, migration pathways, and preservation conditions. Comparative analysis across tectonic settings suggests that oceanic core complexes at slow to ultraslow spreading ridges and hyperextended passive margins exhibit high generation efficiency and strong source-reservoir coupling, but may suffer from limited preservation. Forearc regions of subduction zones host distinctive deep hydrogen sources and favorable reservoir-seal configurations, although migration and leakage processes are complex. Passive margins and deep-water basins provide excellent storage conditions but generally exhibit low hydrogen generation rates. Future exploration should prioritize exposed oceanic core complexes, subduction-front forearc regions, and subsalt basins, and integrate high-resolution <i>in situ</i> monitoring, numerical modeling, and data-driven predictive approaches to enable robust identification and quantitative assessment of oceanfloor hydrogen systems.</p>

Oceanfloor hydrogen systems and resource potential assessment

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年4月27日

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Yanhui Suo,
Hongxu Sun,
Lixin Wu

摘要

Oceanfloor hydrogen represents a potentially low-carbon and sustainable clean energy resource, yet its generation mechanisms, resource endowment, and exploration potential remain poorly constrained. By synthesizing recent observational data, experimental results, and numerical modeling studies, this work develops a preliminary theoretical framework for oceanfloor hydrogen systems and proposes an integrated Hidden Hydrogen discovery pathway encompassing generation-migration-accumulation-sealing-assessment. The results demonstrate that oceanfloor hydrogen generation exhibits pronounced vertical stratification. Shallow production is dominated by serpentinization, water radiolysis, and fault-related frictional processes, whereas deeper sources involve subduction-related water-rock reactions, high-pressure phase transitions of hydrous minerals, and potentially iron-water reactions near the core-mantle boundary. Together, these processes define a coupled deep-shallow hydrogen generation system. Spatially, hydrogen distribution reflects strong tectono-sedimentary coupling: continental-margin sedimentary domains are characterized by abundant hydrogen sources; serpentinized mid-ocean ridge settings show relatively low unit production rates but large regional fluxes; and subduction systems sustain hydrogen generation in outer-rise and forearc regions through slab serpentinization and deep fluid release. Hydrogen migration is primarily controlled by fracture networks, accumulation depends on pore-fracture architecture and thermodynamic conditions, and effective preservation requires low-permeability seals and long-term tectonic stability. Three accumulation models are identified: source-reservoir coupled, source-reservoir decoupled, and hybrid types. Resource potential is governed by the coupling among generation efficiency, migration pathways, and preservation conditions. Comparative analysis across tectonic settings suggests that oceanic core complexes at slow to ultraslow spreading ridges and hyperextended passive margins exhibit high generation efficiency and strong source-reservoir coupling, but may suffer from limited preservation. Forearc regions of subduction zones host distinctive deep hydrogen sources and favorable reservoir-seal configurations, although migration and leakage processes are complex. Passive margins and deep-water basins provide excellent storage conditions but generally exhibit low hydrogen generation rates. Future exploration should prioritize exposed oceanic core complexes, subduction-front forearc regions, and subsalt basins, and integrate high-resolution in situ monitoring, numerical modeling, and data-driven predictive approaches to enable robust identification and quantitative assessment of oceanfloor hydrogen systems.