Feasibility of Seismic Monitoring of Hydrogen Storage and Leakage in Sandstone Reservoirs Using Angle-dependent Image Gathers

This study examines the applicability of seismic methods for monitoring hydrogen storage and detecting potential leakage in sandstone reservoirs, with a particular focus on amplitude variations in angle-dependent image gathers. Using the FluidFlower benchmark model as a controlled geological framework, two types of sandstone—mildly consolidated and unconsolidated—are considered. Gassmann’s fluid substitution is used to model elastic property changes under different hydrogen saturation and leakage scenarios, and seismic responses are generated using Kennett’s reflectivity method.

The analysis shows that seismic amplitudes are sensitive to both fluid saturation and lithology. In mildly consolidated sandstones, hydrogen injection leads to observable increases in amplitude at reservoir interfaces. In unconsolidated sandstones, elastic contrasts are more pronounced, resulting in stronger and more detectable seismic responses. These findings highlight the need to account for lithological characteristics when designing seismic monitoring strategies for underground hydrogen storage.