Selection of areas prospective for the search of primary hydrogen in the territory of Ukraine (based on the data of the 3D P-velocity model of the mantle)

Abstract

The work aimed to identify promising areas for the search for primary hydrogen in Ukraine using a 3D P-velocity model of the mantle under Ukraine and its surroundings. The work uses a 3D P-velocity model of the mantle under the territory of Ukraine and its surroundings from a depth of 50 to 1700 km north of 50° NL and up to 2500 km to the south. The model is derived using ISC bulletin data from 1964 and is presented as horizontal and vertical cross-sections.
 Since the manifestation of hydrogen is primarily associated with the release of ultra-deep fluid tracks in the mantle, a brief analysis of them was presented. A detailed analysis of all nine superdeep mantle fluids isolated on the territory of Ukraine and their velocity characteristics was carried out. A comparison of the location of the routes of passage of superdeep fluids and the velocity structure of the mantle of the considered territory showed that they are confined to tectonically activated areas. In order to confirm the possible pre­sence of primary hydrogen in selected tracks of superdeep mantle fluids, heat flow density maps, a temperature map at a depth of 50 km, a map of the depth of the Moho boundary, a conductivity density map, and a fault map of the Ukrainian Shield were considered.
 A comparative analysis of maps of the location of superdeep mantle fluids and regions on the territory of Ukraine with increased heat flow, increased depth of the Moho boun­dary, and the presence of mantle conductors and faults was carried out. Summarizing the results of the comparative analysis, the most promising areas for the search for primary hydrogen were selected, corresponding to the following routes of superdeep fluids: f12, the northeastern part of f3, the southern part of f4 (the area of the Dnipro-Donetsk basin), the southwestern part of f1 (the area of the Western Ukrainian oil and gas-bearing region) and f9 and f10 (region of the South Crimean oil and gas-bearing province).