| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2.4-0021 |
| Title of Abstract | Offshore Natural Hydrogen Prospectivity of India |
| Authors | Priyank Krishna Jaiswal*, Javier Vilcaez, Prem Bikkina |
| Organisation | Oklahoma State University |
| Address | 105 Noble research Center, Boone Pickens School of Geology STILLWATER, OK, United States Pincode: 74078 E-mail: priyank.jaiswal@okstate.edu |
| Country | United States |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Natural (¿white¿) hydrogen forms mainly by (1) serpentinization of ultramafic rocks and (2) radiolysis of water in U¿Th¿bearing crystalline rocks, then migrates along fractures into traps. Where degassing coincides with high hydrothermal temperatures, alkaline pH, and negative redox (ORP) conditions, serpentinization rates can be elevated. Producible accumulations also require effective migration pathways and seals. These conditions are present in the following Indian offshore provinces. Andaman domain: A forearc ophiolite belt with an accretionary prism, mud-volcano fields, and an active back-arc basin offers the strongest potential. Peridotite¿chromitite assemblages provide olivine-rich substrates; back-arc heat flow and fluid circulation accelerate reactions. Forearc breaks and trench-slope faults focus transport, while the prism supplies vertically repeated conduit¿seal pairs. Ninetyeast (90°E) Ridge: Fractured basalts and intrusions along ridge highs, flexural margins, and fracture-zone intersections create reservoirs and pathways. Regional drape by the mud-rich Bengal Fan furnishes seals. Though ultramafics are rarer than Andaman, iron-rich basalts can yield limited serpentinization-style H₂ via water¿rock reaction. Passive-margin basins: Eastern (Krishna¿Godavari, Mahanadi, Cauvery) and western (Kutch¿Saurashtra¿Cambay¿Mumbai High) sectors combine crystalline-basement highs, segmented margin faults, Deccan-related volcanics, and thick shale¿evaporite packages creating an architecture conducive to charge, migration, and seal. While Radiolysis in U¿Th-bearing basement, reactions in mafic dikes/intrusions supply sources and transport, fine-grained covers act as regional caps. Exploration is envisioned in three steps. We start with a regional screen integrating MT and broadband seismic with seabed flux, He¿H₂ ratios, heat flow, and pore-water chemistry to map active generation and migration corridors. Then we deploy AUV/ROV surveys across spreading centers, ridge-flank faults, and mud-volcano provinces, pairing samples with geomicrobial assays to quantify sinks. Finally, we drill shallow scientific wells to confirm charge, seal, and deliverability. |
| Keywords | White Hydrogen, Andaman, Passive Margin |