Society of Independent Professional
Earth Scientists

 Click here for the 2026 S.I.P.E.S. Dues Form - please use this form to update your contact information as well

Click here to pay your dues online

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Next Event:

January 22, 2026

Our Presenter:

Dr. Mengli Zhang

"Introduction on geologic Hydrogen and prediction on its resource potential"

All attendees MUST RSVP!

Please RSVP by 11:30 a.m. on January 19

Click here to RSVP

When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where: Wynkoop Brewery - 1634 18th Street, Denver, CO 80202

Cost Structure:

• Members $25 (Presentation & Meal)
• Non-members $30 (Presentation & Meal)
• Walk-ins will no longer be allowed due to an issue with the Wynkoop.  Please pre-purchase a lunch to attend.  Sorry for the inconvenience!

Please feel free to share this information with any friends and colleagues who might be interested!

Mask requirements voluntary for vaccinated attendees.

Abstract:

Geologic hydrogen is emerging as a possible primary energy resource with the potential to contribute to energy supply on century timescales. As global expansion of renewable energy and green hydrogen increases demand for critical minerals, naturally occurring hydrogen offers a complementary pathway that may reduce supply-chain pressures while leveraging established subsurface exploration expertise. A primary source of geologic hydrogen is serpentinization, in which iron-rich rocks react with water to generate hydrogen and associated contrasts in physical properties. These processes produce diagnostic geophysical signatures that can be detected using integrated geophysics such as magnetic, gravity, electrical, and seismic methods. We present an integrated framework for introducing geologic hydrogen systems and predicting their resource potential using multi-scale geophysical characterization. Airborne and ground-based geophysical data are combined with soil-gas measurements and core analyses across diverse geological settings, including Nebraska, Iowa, and the Midcontinent Rift. Results indicate that surface expressions such as fairy circles primarily reflect hydrogen leakage rather than viable drilling targets, emphasizing the need for regional-scale imaging to identify deeper source and accumulations. Existing petroleum and mining infrastructure can be directly adapted for hydrogen exploration, monitoring, and development. These results demonstrate that geophysics provides a critical foundation for forecasting geologic hydrogen prospectivity and supporting responsible resource development.

Bio:

Dr. Mengli Zhang is a Research Assistant Professor of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines, Director of the Center for Gravity, Electrical, and Magnetic Studies (CGEM), and Principal Investigator of the Geo-Multiphysics Research Consortium. Her research centers on innovative geophysical data acquisition, multiphysics integration, and AI-enhanced interpretation to advance critical mineral and geologic hydrogen exploration. She leads several federally funded projects, including one supported by ARPA-E, and co-leads the world’s first joint industry program on geologic hydrogen in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey. Her work on geologic hydrogen has been featured in Financial Times, Bloomberg, New Scientist, and other global media. 

WHAT IS SIPES?

The Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES) is the only national organization designed exclusively for the independent or consulting professional earth scientist. Members include geologists, engineers, geophysicists, geochemists, and other earth scientists. 

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Our Mission

To be the pre-eminent organization for furthering the professional business interests of independent practitioners of earth sciences. 

• Professional Competence

• Professional Business Ethics

• Presenting a favorable, credible and effective image of Society



Local Events:

Monthly Meetings

Meetings for 2026 will be held at the

Wynkoop Brewery

1634 18th Street

Denver, CO 80202