Located in a Brazilian craton, the São Francisco Basin (SFB) presents a proven natural hydrogen (H2)
system, evidenced by high H2 concentrations in boreholes and numerous surface H2 emanations, some
already long-term monitored. Despite over six years of study, no detailed research has been carried
out to correlate these superficial observations with subsurface geological features. Therefore, this
study aims to evaluate the elements of the H2 system, including generating rocks, reservoirs, traps,
and seals, focus on the central and southern parts of the SFB, using public geophysical and well data
previously acquired by the oil and gas industry.
Wells drilled in structural traps contain natural gas and H2 at various depths, from 300 m to almost 4
km, particularly in Neoproterozoic units. The H2 rich layers exhibit very low permeability, classifying
them as tight reservoirs. The H2 amounts vary from a few percent to 41%. These intervals can be
identified using neutron log, especially where the H2 concentration exceeds that of CH4. Overlapping
impermeable zones within the same lithostratigraphic units act as a caprock. These seals seem to be
efficient to stopping or delaying the H2 flux, since the H2-hosting wells do not coincide with areas of
high density of the sub-circular depressions (SCD), which are typically associated with surface H2
emanation. Alternatively, the absence of SCD may be attributed to soil characteristics that are not
favorable for their formation, since we noticed the SCD are predominantly found in soft sediments of
the Cenozoic cover of the SFB.
The Archean and Paleoproterozoic basement containing ferrous and radioactive rocks, as well as the
Cretaceous ultramafic intrusions, are the main candidates for the H2 generation rocks. These units
mostly outcrop around the basin, such as the Banded Iron Formation from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero
(QF) in the southeast, and the ultramafic Alto do Paranaíba Igneous Province (APIP), in the southwest.
Significant magnetic anomalies observed in and around the basin may indicate potential H2 kitchens,
as they can be considered indirect indicators of ferrous bodies. Among them, it must be highlighted
the Pirapora Anomaly, in the central part of the basin, and anomalies beneath the APIP and QF,
extending to the internal part of the basin. These areas may correspond to the main generating rocks
of the basin, even if a large distance from the H2 evidences is required. Furthermore, the contribution
of radiolysis cannot be excluded.
The multiphase structural history of the SFB allows gas migration over short and long distances, which
may have enabled the widespread H2 occurrences in the basin, originated by multiple generating rocks
both inside and outside he basin.
In summary, the presence of all the elements of the H2 system in the central and southern SFB makes
it a proxy area for H2 attractive discoveries. Additionally, the existing gas pipeline network to major
population centers can promote a future H2 production and distribution.
Co-authors:
Vivian Azor de Freitas, Alain Prinzhofer, João Batista Françolin, Francisco José Fonseca Ferreira and
Isabelle Moretti
University of Parma / University of California Berkeley
Phd Student