As the world strives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and embrace low-carbon energy alternatives, scientists have developed a cutting-edge deep learning model to scan the Earth’s surface for signs of subsurface reservoirs of naturally occurring free hydrogen. This groundbreaking algorithm focuses on identifying ovoids or semicircular depressions (SCDs) that often form near areas associated with natural hydrogen deposits. These circular patterns are sometimes hidden by vegetation, making them challenging to detect. Recent discoveries of SCDs in various countries have shed light on their prevalence. By combining global satellite imagery data with their AI model, researchers have made significant progress in locating these hidden hydrogen reservoirs.
To unravel the mysteries of subsurface hydrogen reservoirs, lead researchers Sam Herreid and Saurabh Kaushik, both postdoctoral scholars at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at The Ohio State University, trained their AI algorithm using a compilation of known SCD locations. The model was then used to analyze remote sensing data, comparing it with geomorphic and spectral patterns associated with SCDs. This approach allowed the researchers to pinpoint areas around the world that are most likely to be linked to geologic hydrogen reservoirs. Their groundbreaking findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union.
The scientific community has long recognized the immense potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, burning hydrogen only produces water, and it can be conveniently stored and transported. With governments increasingly investing in cleaner energy alternatives, interest in harnessing natural hydrogen is rapidly growing. Joachim Moortgat, the project’s principal investigator and an associate professor of earth sciences at Ohio State, emphasizes that a transition to hydrogen could revolutionize the global energy landscape, given its minimal greenhouse gas emissions. However, locating hydrogen reservoirs presents unique challenges compared to traditional energy sources.
Finding hydrogen reservoirs is an inherent challenge due to their occurrence in geologies and locations different from those of oil or gas deposits. To overcome this hurdle, AI tools enable scientists to map out potential SCDs around the world. Nevertheless, the search for hydrogen sources remains complex, as true hydrogen deposits can be confused with other circular-looking land features, such as lakes, golf courses, or crop circles. The race to expedite the discovery of hydrogen sources has prompted countries to develop new exploration techniques and technologies.
Engaging in this research feels like actively contributing to mitigating the climate crisis, according to Herreid, who previously utilized AI to model the impact of climate change on glaciers. The evolving nature of the project makes it an exciting endeavor. With Europe already exploring the utilization of gold hydrogen reserves, and the United States introducing legislation to expand the clean energy production industry, the field is moving rapidly. However, it will take several more years before natural hydrogen reservoirs can be reliably integrated as a clean energy source.
Moving forward, researchers must focus on deepening their understanding of hydrogen systems. The immediate challenge is to identify more SCDs and conduct extensive investigations to comprehend the formation process of these hydrogen reservoirs. By advancing our knowledge, scientists can overcome the limitations and complexities associated with locating and exploiting this promising clean energy resource.
The development of AI technology coupled with global satellite imagery data has significantly advanced the search for subsurface hydrogen reservoirs. The detection of semicircular depressions (SCDs) associated with geologic hydrogen deposits has brought us closer to unlocking hydrogen’s potential as a clean and efficient energy source. The ongoing research efforts in this field hold promise for a future where hydrogen plays a central role in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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