Gabriel Pasquet
Gabriel Pasquet is a specialist of the H2 generation in the context of fluid/oceanic
lithosphere interactions. After a first study of the Semail ophiolite, he did his PhD on the East African
Rift geothermal system. His main work focused on gas-fluid-rock reactions in the Ethiopian and
Djiboutian part of this rift where H2 is present in the geothermal steams which potentially allows a
coproduction with high-temperature geothermal energy. He also compared the Djiboutian case to the
Icelandic geothermal system and worked in Larderello, as well as on Namibian BIFs. Gabriel is currently
a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour and member of the IODP Exp
395 : "Reykjanes mantle convection and climate"; With that team, he studies the hydrothermal
reactions in the basalts of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, focusing on reactions producing natural H2 and those
storing CO2 by carbonation. At the same time, he is again working on the Semail ophiolite to
understand the reactions leading to H2 production and CO2 storage in ultramafic rocks, in
collaboration with RAK Gas.
Gabriel Pasquet1, Keanu Loiseau1, Mohamed Diatta1, Giacomo Firpo2, Paul Swire2, Andrew Amey2,
Thibaut Burckhart2, Isabelle Moretti1
1 Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Laboratoire des Fluides Complexes et leurs Réservoirs, 64000 Pau, France
2 RAK Gas, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
The Semail Ophiolite, renowned for its exceptional preservation, provides a rare geological snapshot of oceanic lithosphere
rocks at the surface. Extensive studies in the southern region, particularly within the Sultanate of Oman, have shed light on
active serpentinization processes and the associated natural hydrogen (H2) production. However, the northern section of the
ophiolite remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the potential for Natural H2
resources in Ras Al Khaimah and in the Northern UAE.
Our research involved comprehensive surface gas measurements to construct an H2 distribution map, examining the
correlation between gas emissions and lithological variations from the metamorphic sole to various mantle peridotites and
crustal upper gabbros. Major structural features were also assessed. Findings indicate that structural windows exposing the
metamorphic sole are key areas for locating higher H2 concentration measurements. Additionally, prominent structural
lineaments between the layered and upper gabbros represent potential migration pathways for H2 from the underlying
peridotites. Sampling of gas bubbling zones provided encouraging outcomes, mirroring results observed in the blue pools in
the southern massifs of the ophiolite. Repetitive samplings on the same area over periods of time reveal large variations in
gas readings that require further evaluation.
These new measurements emphasize the northern Semail Ophiolite's potential as a valuable natural H2 province, highlighting
its importance for future energy exploration and exploitation in Ras Al Khaimah and in the Northern UAE.
Université de PAU et des Pays de l'Adour
Chercheur postdoctoral
Be Part Of The First 100 To Register At The Early Bird Rate! Only 10 Passes Left!