Hydrogen is a key player in clean energy and is the most common element in the universe. There’s a growing interest in finding natural sources of hydrogen on Earth. Recently, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found a significant source of geological hydrogen in a cluster of large, cylindrical structures, dubbed the “Kunlun pipe swarm,” located west of the Mussau Trench.
The Mussau Trench is quite ancient, dating back around 25 million years. Unlike many hydrogen vents that are small and localized, this newly discovered site has pipes ranging from 450 to 1,800 meters wide. The study on this exciting find was published in Science Advances.
These hydrothermal pipes release heated fluids full of minerals. Researchers detected signs of microbial life and found an unusual underwater ecosystem, including predators like scorpionfish. The discovery also revealed more than 800 small earthquakes over a month, suggesting ongoing gas leaks throughout the trench.
What sets these pipes apart is their distance from active tectonic zones. Most previously known hydrogen vents are found near tectonic activity, like spreading ridges. This means the Kunlun structure could hold a vast supply of hydrogen.
Interestingly, the gemstones found within these structures resemble those formed by large explosions. Estimates suggest that creating such massive pipes would require energy equivalent to millions of tons of TNT. Hydrogen holds the potential for this energy; just one ton can release as much energy as 0.21 tons of TNT when it expands under certain conditions.
Experts, including Prof. Xiao Yuanyuan, believe there could be a significant amount of hydrogen sourced from deep within the ocean’s mantle. This could pave the way for future economical extraction of hydrogen, a game-changer in the quest for sustainable energy.
In recent years, interest in hydrogen as an energy source has risen sharply. According to a 2022 report by the International Energy Agency, global investment in hydrogen projects reached $1.5 billion, highlighting its potential in various sectors, from transportation to heating.
This discovery adds a new chapter to our understanding of how hydrogen could support a cleaner energy future. The deep sea might hold the answers we need to harness this element on a larger scale.
For further details on the findings, check out the original paper in Science Advances here.
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