Hydrogen System Modeling and Exploration Frameworks
Blind hydrogen systems
Awosiji et al. (2025)
This study introduces the concept of “blind hydrogen systems”—subsurface hydrogen accumulations that may occur without obvious surface seepage or geochemical anomalies. The work develops a conceptual framework for understanding how hydrogen may be generated, migrate, and accumulate within geological systems that are not easily detectable at the surface. By integrating geochemistry, structural geology, and basin-scale processes, the study provides a new exploration paradigm that helps guide the search for hidden hydrogen accumulations.
Hydrogen flux modeling
Ellis & Gelman (2024)
This study presents a quantitative model of hydrogen generation and flux from the Earth’s crust based on geological processes including water–rock reactions and radiolysis. The model provides a framework for estimating hydrogen generation rates and evaluating the potential scale of natural hydrogen resources globally. Although conducted by researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey, the work is closely connected to Stanford’s research program through the participation of Dr. Geoff Ellis, an Adjunct Professor at Stanford and advisor to the consortium.
Hydrogen prospectivity across the United States
Gelman et al. (2025)
This USGS study provides one of the first large-scale geological assessments of hydrogen prospectivity across the United States. By combining geological mapping, geochemical data, and hydrogen generation models, the research identifies regions where hydrogen generation and accumulation may be most favorable. The study offers an important foundation for national-scale exploration strategies and is included here due to the active collaboration between Stanford researchers and USGS scientists including Dr. Geoff Ellis.