3C Passive Seismic with Autonomous Nodes for Natural Hydrogen Exploration

We are witnessing a surge in research and development of renewable energy technologies, ranging from solar and wind power to geothermal and biomass solutions. These innovative approaches undoubtedly hold the key to reducing our carbon footprint, yet several of them require the extraction and utilization of scarce minerals, leading to potential environmental degradation and geopolitical complexities. A potentially game-changing alternative has emerged on the horizon - Natural hydrogen.

Natural hydrogen gas emanations have been observed and measured along the North Pyrenean Frontal Thrust and other related faults rooted in the mantle body (Lefeuvre et al, 2021). These results, together with a promising geological setting and evidence of fluid migration at depth, suggest that H2 may be sourced from mantle rocks serpentinization and carried to the surface along major thrusting faults. To test this theory, CNRS, university of Toulouse and Stryde have collaborated to acquire a passive seismic data on a 3d grid using the latest generation of compact autonomous nodes, usually used for very dense active seismic surveys in O&G exploration. Given the very difficult access terrain and the size of the area to survey, the use of such technology was a major enabler in this project