Carbonate control of H2 and CH4 production in serpentinization systems at elevated P-Ts

Geophysical Research Letters
By: , and 

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Abstract

Serpentinization of forsteritic olivine results in the inorganic synthesis of molecular hydrogen (H2) in ultramafic hydrothermal systems (e.g., mid-ocean ridge and forearc environments). Inorganic carbon in those hydrothermal systems may react with H2 to produce methane (CH4) and other hydrocarbons or react with dissolved metal ions to form carbonate minerals. Here, we report serpentinization experiments at 200°C and 300 bar demonstrating Fe2+ being incorporated into carbonates more rapidly than Fe2+ oxidation (and concomitant H2 formation) leading to diminished yields of H2 and H2-dependent CH4. In addition, carbonate formation is temporally fast in carbonate oversaturated fluids. Our results demonstrate that carbonate chemistry ultimately modulates the abiotic synthesis of both H2 and CH4 in hydrothermal ultramafic systems and that ultramafic systems present great potential for CO2-mineral sequestration.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Carbonate control of H2 and CH4 production in serpentinization systems at elevated P-Ts
Series title Geophysical Research Letters
DOI 10.1029/2010GL043769
Volume 37
Issue 14
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher AGU
Publisher location Washington, D.C.
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description L14306
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Geophysical Research Letters
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