Could Natural Hydrogen Releases in Ophiolitic Belts be a Source for Energy Conversion? Hydrogen gas in ophiolitic rocks has become a subject of increasing interest, particularly with the emergence of natural hydrogen production. Ophiolites are fragments of oceanic crust and the underlying upper mantle that have been uplifted and exposed above sea level, often associated with tectonic processes. These rocks generally consist of varying degrees of serpentinized ultramafic rocks, rich in iron and magnesium silicates. Serpentinization is one of the primary mechanisms of hydrogen production within the ophiolitic series and can be defined as a chemical reaction in which ultramafic rocks interact with water. This reaction results in the formation of serpentine minerals and the release of hydrogen gas. This process is the oxidation of olivine or pyroxene iron (Fe⁺²), releasing hydrogen (H₂) as a byproduct. This process is often associated with hydrothermal systems where wate...
